In brief

MIDDLEPORT: Former brothel owner Maryellen Mayer has been told to pay back more than £40,000 she made through the business.

The 53-year-old appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday to hear the confiscation order made against her.

Mayer took over Academy, in Newcastle Street, Middleport after she was forced to retire from the pottery industry because of ill health.

She was jailed in June for eight months, and following a financial investigation, police launched proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover her ill-gotten gains.

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The total of the confiscation order was £108,000.

However, following an assessment it was decided the defendant only had £47,115 available.

Mayer, of Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, was told to settle the amount by April or face an 18-month prison sentence.

However, the court heard she would be shown some leniency if she was unable to sell her property due to current market conditions.

LONGTON: A 26-year-old has pleaded guilty to charges of theft and robbery.

Christopher Cuthbertson, of Kendrick Street, Longton, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday to enter his plea.

The court heard the charge of robbery related to a bag of crisps and the theft was of a CCTV camera.

Cuthbertson was bailed to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

BUCKNALL: Christopher Oakes has denied a charge of robbery.

The 36-year-old of Braemore Road, Bucknall, is accused of robbing Sarah Clarke of £70 in cash along with a debit card, on February 11.

Oakes, who appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, was bailed to stand trial during the week beginning February 4.