Mortgage fraudster bids to win back 'proceeds' of crime

Matthew Wooton (31), of Eskdale Road, Wingfield, is challenging the confiscation order because of the conduct of his legal team at the time.

He blames his advisers for the fact that he had accepted that so-called “hidden assets” existed.

But his new lawyers say there is no evidence to suggest he was ever shown a prosecution statement detailing withdrawals he was said to have made from his bank account when he was unemployed.

He had instead been advised to try to agree an amount.

Judges at the Court of Appeal in London have agreed that his challenge is ‘arguable’ and merits a full appeal hearing at which the confiscation order could be quashed.

Mr Wootton was jailed for nine months after pleading guilty in 2008 to conspiracy to defraud. He was also ordered to hand over £49,000, which was said to be the proceeds of his crime.

The case involves an application for a £156,750 mortgage which was made on his behalf and which showed a taxable income which was not true.