A COURT has refused a police application to confiscate more than £43,000 from an elderly Deeside couple.

North Wales Police solicitor Gareth Preston claimed the money seized by officers as part of an investigation was the proceeds of crime - allegedly modern day slavery by others and money laundering.

But at North East Wales Magistrates Court it was ruled that £14,976 would be confiscated and the remainder would have to be returned.

James and Bridget Doran, both in their seventies from Nelson Street in Shotton, opposed the application made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

They said the money was their savings.

Melissa Pedley, from Northamptonshire, told the Mold court some of the money was hers.

Magistrates, who retired for an hour in a case, were told the application was a civil and not a criminal matter and that no crime was alleged against the claimants.

They ruled that part of the money was as a result of unlawful conduct but it was accepted some of the money constituted savings.

They ruled that £10,480 found in one bag and £16,880 found in another should be returned to the Dorans.

They said £1,500 and jewellery found in a handbag should be given to Miss Pedley.

But £14,976 would be forfeited.