Ice cream man gives ARA £900,000

Stephen Albert Baxter sold more than just ice cream

A west Belfast ice cream man who sold smuggled cigarettes from his vans has agreed to hand over more than £900,000 to the Assets Recovery Agency.

It comes after an investigation into Stephen Albert Baxter, from Lyndhurst View Park, lasting more than two years.

Baxter sold ices from four vans - but was also caught selling cigarettes.

The ARA froze assets belonging to Baxter and his wife Denise more than two years ago, claiming they derived most of them from illegal activity.

The agency also said the couple had a lifestyle far in excess of any known lawful means of income.

After a hearing at Belfast High Court, the couple have now agreed to hand over a range of assets said to value at least £900,000.

Baxter operated four ice cream vans

The assets being seized include two apartments and four houses in Belfast.

The agency will also keep the proceeds of the sale of the four ice cream vans, a Mitisibushi Shogun, money lodged in six bank accounts and a credit union account.

It will also sell off a crystal collection valued at almost £8,500.

The couple must pay their own legal costs of more than £35,000 but will keep their house at Lyndhurst View Park.