Sutton police have been ordered to pay back £6,800 to a man.

Last year Michael Costellow, 59, of Fellowes Road, Carshalton, was ordered to forfeit £6,800 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of criminal activity during a civil hearing at Sutton Magistrates’ Court.

But Mr Costellow disputed the order and after a successful appeal at Croydon Crown Court was told he would receive his money back.

He said: “This has caused me a lot of stress for two years; it has made me ill. The £6,800 was not from criminal sources, but was compensation money for an injury, which lead to an amputation.”

Police raided Costellow’s home on April 21, 2008, and found a quantity of drugs, three cars, two bundles of notes in a bedside cabinet and a quantity of £1 coins.

Mr Costellow told police the drugs were for his own use, but he was arrested and appeared at Croydon Crown Court in April 2009, where he pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and to failing to notify changes in circumstances regarding housing and council tax benefits.

He was ordered to repay £18,000 to Sutton Council and was sentenced to 12 months’ prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £1,000 costs.

Sutton police have now said they are considering appealing the decision in the civil court. A spokesman said: “We have acted clearly and correctly within the constraints of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.”