A BEAUTICIAN who made nearly half a million pounds from allowing a cannabis farm to be set up in her home may have to sell some or all of her three properties to pay back the public purse.

Police applied for an order under the Proceeds of Crime Act for Jo-Ann Walker, of Manchester Road, Walkden.

It follows her sentencing in September at Manchester Crown Court to six months' in prison, suspended for 18 months, after admitting production of cannabis.

During that hearing it was said she had agreed to "turn a blind eye" when the builder renovating her home asked if his friend could use her garage for storage while she flew to the United States for a holiday.

The drugs set-up was busted by police but she refused to name the builder for fear of reprisals.

Officers were back in court yesterday (Friday) to try to recoup some of her ill-gotten gains.

The court was told she benefitted to the tune of £487,268.85 from the venture.

The judge imposed an order for the defendant to pay back £113,782.93 within three months otherwise she will have to serve a prison sentence of two years and will still have to find the money.

In order to come up with the sum, Walker could have to sell her three properties in Walkden, Skelmanthorpe in West Yorkshire and Southport in Merseyside.

Detective Inspector Benjamin Cottam, of GMP's Salford division, said: "Time and time again we come across individuals who have no regard for the law and lead lavish lifestyles through money paid for by crimes. 

"But in this case, as with many GMP officers uncover, these individuals are being caught and are being stripped of their assets. 

"I hope this serves as a deterrent for those tempted by crime that we don’t stop after a conviction.

"We will also track down every penny that you have earned through crime and make you pay it back."