A High Court judge has hit out after tens of thousands of pounds were wasted in a bid to seize "paltry" assets from Rettendon murderer Michael Steele.

Steele, who was convicted of ordering the execution of three rival drug dealers in 1995, was forced to hand over £2,000 in August 1999.

But Steele, formerly of St Mary's Road, Ainger's Green, Great Bentley, contested the ruling as it was out of time.

Yesterday (Thursday), his bid was backed by a High Court judge sitting at the Old Bailey.

Lord Justice Judge ordered the money be returned and wondered whether "quite so much effort and expense" was justified.

"In the result, the cost to the community has been wholly disproportionate," he added.

Steele, 58, is waiting to hear about his bid for an appeal against his conviction.

The prosecution initially claimed he amassed more than £300,000 from cannabis dealing and wanted to seize all his traceable assets.

But Steele claimed the decision was unfair as it had exceeded the time limit allowed under drug trafficking legislation.

Steele was given three life terms in January 1998 for the murders of Patrick Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe, who were gunned down as they sat in a Range Rover.

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