Ex-St Johnstone footballer's drug profits confiscated
- Published
An ex-St Johnstone footballer turned drug dealer has been ordered to hand over the profits of his crimes.
Martin Maher was described as Auchterarder's "principal supplier of cocaine".
The 28-year-old was jailed for 51 months last year after admitting being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug from February 2007.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, the Crown was given permission to confiscate £40,000 of illegal profits.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that those who bought drugs knew him usually through local football teams, school or work.
Police stakeout
The court heard that Maher earned between £1,000 and £5,000 a month from the well-established firm which was started by his father.
He was caught after a police undercover operation seized 1.5kg of cocaine with a potential street value of £78,250.
Maher was arrested as he got off a flight from a working trip to Spain.
He had previously played for the Perth SPL side before continuing to play football at junior and amateur levels.
Profits seizure
Sentencing Maher, judge Lord Bannatyne told him: "You were somebody, who it seems, came from a good background where your family was able to offer you a job and able to offer you a considerable position in society."
The Crown brought proceedings to seize any illegal profits from Maher, formerly from Auchterader, under proceeds of crime legislation.
Maher, who is currently in prison, returned to the court on Monday, where his counsel Mark Moir told judge Lord Stewart during a brief hearing that a settlement had been reached.
Advocate depute Barry Divers asked the court to record the benefit from Maher's "general criminal conduct" at £40,000 and to make a confiscation order in the same sum with six months to pay it.