A CROOK who possessed more than £23,000 in illegal money has been spared a prison sentence.

Fabian Thomas, 24, must now pay just £2,300 in compensation for his crime after being caught with the cash in Colchester in January 2019.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard how Thomas had acquired £23,676 in illegal money when he was caught by police officers.

The defendant, of Horsley Drive, New Addington, Croydon, admitted acquiring, using or possessiong criminal property when appearing at court.

He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months after magistrates stated the offence was aggravated by causing a “significant” impact on the victim.

The magistrates decided there was a strong enough prospect of Thomas being rehabilitated, and stated his age when the crime was committed persuaded them to suspend the sentence, despite deeming the offence “so serious”.

Furthermore, he must undertake 20 days of a rehabilitation activity and 250 hours’ worth of unpaid work, which must be completed within the next twelve months.

Thomas must also pay £2,300 in compensation, as well as £273 in a surcharge and court costs.