A MAN cleared of supplying drugs has had his string of houses and luxury cars seized by police.

Andrew Pickering's £495,000 four-bedroom detached house in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, is up for sale.

The home and its contents, seven other houses and two vehicles, including a £46,500 BMW convertible, have been seized by order of the High Court.

When 34-year-old Mr Pickering appeared at Durham Crown Court last February, prosecuting lawyer Graham Reeds told the jury he was "living in considerable style, which could not have been paid for without drug dealing".

But Mr Pickering was cleared of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

A co-accused at the trial admitted possession of a kilo of cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for eight years.

Mr Pickering said his lifestyle was based on income from an ice-cream van, and buying and selling cars.

During his trial, he was said to be the owner of several properties for rent in the Middlesbrough area.

He was known to own several performance cars, including BMWs, Mercedes and, at one time, a top-of-the-range Ferrari. The vast majority of the cars he bought were sold at a loss.

On an application by Cleveland Police's Organised Crime Unit, the High Court, in London, granted the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) an interim receiving order for £648,372.

The order ensures that Mr Pickering cannot dispose of assets while investigations continue.

An interim receiver has been appointed by the High Court to manage Mr Pickering's private and business affairs, including his homes, cars, three bank accounts and all items of value, pending an investigation.

The receiver, who is an independent officer of the court, will submit a report in due course. If that report shows that assets are the proceeds of crime, the ARA will apply for a Civil Recovery Order.

It is the first case on Teesside where the ARA has used powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Mr Pickering was not at home yesterday and a woman who came to the door of his Nunthorpe Gardens property would not comment.

A solicitor working for Mr Pickering - known as "Pickey" to friends - could not be contacted, despite repeated calls to his office