Hatton Garden heist gang told to cough up £14m or do more time

THE gang behind the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit raid will face more time in jail unless they pay back almost £14million, a confiscation hearing has heard.

Five of the men jailed for their role in Britain’s biggest ever burglary, have been warned they will also lose their homes, cars and other assets if they do not compensate the victims of the raid.

The total value of goods taken during the daring heist almost three years ago has been estimated at more than £25million, with just £4million having been returned to the rightful owners.

At least two thirds of the proceeds – which included a huge haul in gems, jewellery and cash – remains unaccounted for.

Brian Reader, 78, John Collins, 75, Terry Perkins, 67, and 61-year-old Daniel Jones were all jailed for their role in the raid and are being pursued to return their ill-gotten gains.

The case against William Lincoln, a fellow gang member, is still subject to “conversations” between the various parties, but he is also likely to be forced to pay back a huge sum.

During a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday, prosecutors argued that the figure they had arrived at, which they were claiming the gang should repay, was £13,690,331.75. Only Jones and Collins were present in the dock and they only spoke to confirm their names.

Perkins and Reader were said to be too ill to attend the hearing, but are expected to be present later in the case, which is expected to last six weeks.

Philip Evans, prosecuting, said after discussions between the various parties the overall figure being sought had been agreed. After a morning of legal argument, he said: “The amount to be repaid by those individuals remains subject to argument, that figure of £13.69million to an amount ordered in terms of benefit for those jointly in relation to Collins, Jones and Perkins.

“That figure also could include Mr Reader but that is a subject to an argument. In relation to Lincoln, matters are still part of negotiations and conversations. He is to be produced tomorrow.” The case continues