Telford loan shark told to repay £150,000 or face extra jail time
The illegal money lender was sentenced to 28 months in prison in 2023 after exploiting vulnerable individuals
A 55-year-old loan shark from Telford has been ordered to pay £158,901 within three months or serve an additional two years in prison.
Alvin Hutchinson was jailed in December 2023 for 28 months after pleading guilty to illegal money lending and money laundering. His case was prosecuted by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) alongside Telford Trading Standards and West Mercia Police.
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 7th November, the court heard that Hutchinson’s available assets amounted to £158,901. He now has until 7th February 2026 to make the payment.
During the original trial, the court was told how Hutchinson ran his illegal lending operation between January 2015 and May 2019 without authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Borrowers were charged 40% interest on loans and faced further interest if payments were not made within a week.
One borrower reported being coerced into purchasing a 65-inch TV on credit for Hutchinson’s use, leading to financial difficulties. Another borrower shared they had taken out loans between £500 and £600 but ended up owing at least £3,000.
In 2019, the IMLT carried out a search of Hutchinson’s property on Hartley Close in The Rock, leading to his eventual prosecution.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, welcomed the confiscation ruling:
“We welcome this confiscation ruling, which sends a clear message that this kind of crime doesn’t pay. Hutchinson made thousands of pounds by exploiting vulnerable people and it is only right that he should not continue to benefit from the money he made.
“Illegal money lending can destroy people’s lives, and we will continue our fight to stop these criminals. Some of the money confiscated in this case will be used to help in our work to combat the menace of illegal lending across England.
“We would like to thank the borrowers in this case for coming forward and we would urge anyone who thinks they have been targeted in this way to contact us in confidence for help and support.”
The IMLT, hosted by Birmingham City Council, was established in 2004 and has since supported over 31,500 people, written off over £91.6 million in illegal debt, and achieved more than 430 prosecutions with custodial sentences totalling over 600 years.
Those who believe they have been victims of illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk for confidential support. The site also offers a live chat function from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.