Adrian and Jason Smith, both of Tachbrook Road, are thought to have benefited from crime by £104,000 and £142,000 respectively.

But just £450 of 32-year-old Adrian's wealth can now be found and Jason, 34, whose home was recently gutted in an alleged arson attack, is fighting a claim for £6,150.

They were jailed for three-and-a-half and five years respectively earlier this year after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal diesel and to handle stolen goods.

Recorder David Jones told Jason that in his view he was "a professional criminal with no intention of leading an honest life".

A hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act against them and co-defendant Gavin Pearce, 31, of Badgers Crescent, Shipston, was adjourned for an investigation into their finances.

When it resumed this week, prosecutor Shenaz Muzaffer said Pearce, who was given a 12-month suspended sentence for theft, attempted theft and handling had received a total benefit of £750, but had no assets.

Meanwhile, Adrian Smith's haul amounted to £103,561 and Jason's £142,425, said Miss Muzaffer.

She added that those figures may have to be adjusted because they included the value of property seized from a container at a smallholding near Leamington, some of which taxi firm manager Glyn Kearns, once a co-defendant, has come forward to claim legitimate ownership of.

About £45,000 of stolen property was seized at the time of the Smiths' arrest.

Nick Devine, for Adrian Smith, said it was accepted he had assets of £450 based on his share of a van which has since been sold to pay off bills.

Judge Hodson ordered the money be confiscated.

Miss Muzaffer said it had been assessed that Jason had assets of £6,150 which she asked to be confiscated.

But Robert Hodgkinson, for Jason, whose home and those of two neighbours were damaged in an alleged arson attack last month, said that figure could not be agreed.

He said: "He would like to argue that some of the money is part of compensation he received following an accident."

The hearing against Jason was adjourned for him to submit a sworn statement prior to a hearing at which the Judge will make a final ruling.