‘Corrupt’ jailed officer told to repay drugs proceeds

Keith Boots, 56, was jailed in March last after he was found with an estimated £700,000 worth of class A, B and C drugs in his home, including 11 kilograms of cocaine in his washing machine.

During his trial, Leeds Crown Court heard the former West Yorkshire Police officer had benefitted to the value of £556,400 from his offending.

He was found with enough drugs to keep a “1970s rock star and his band entertained for weeks”, the court was told.

Boots was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment, while his son, Ashley, was jailed for 24 years.

He appeared in court again on Tuesday (April 24) to face a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act where he was told he must repay £135,280 within three months or face a further 18 months in prison.

His son had no available assets and was ordered to pay just £1.

Detective Chief Superintendent Julie Sykes said: “Keith Boots is a corrupt former officer who belongs in prison.

“Boots gained financially from his criminal actions and so it was only right that we sought to reclaim what he took.”

Boots was dismissed from West Yorkshire Police at a special case hearing in March 2016.