Haverfordwest magistrates have confiscated over £17,000 from a father and daughter convicted of money laundering, conspiracy to money launder and to control prostitution.

Thomas Carroll, aged 49, formerly of Gateway Lodge, Castlemartin, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to money launder and control prostitution in January this year, along with his partner 32-year-old Shamiela Clark.

His 26-year old daughter Toma Carroll, of County Carlow, Ireland, admitted money laundering.

The trio were due to stand trial for human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering when, in a dramatic turn of events, they entered guilty pleas to a string of charges.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) applied to Haverfordwest magistrates court yesterday (Tuesday), under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act, for the forfeiture of money seized from the Carrolls.

This included £1,153 in cash seized from Thomas Carroll when he was arrested and 20,000 Euro found in a safety deposit box held in the names of both Thomas and Toma Carroll.

The 20,000 Euro was deposited in a Sterling bank account where it was converted into £16,010.

The application was not contested by either of the Carrolls. Last February Thomas Carroll was sentenced to five years in prison and his daughter two years.

Magistrates granted the order saying: “We have decided that the sums of money in this documentation should be forfeited.We feel that the sums involved were not only obtained from criminal activity, but would be used for further unlawful conduct.”

Thomas Carroll was also ordered to pay £592 costs.