Convicted drug trafficker Scott Snowden, who grew up in Balloch, was jailed for at least 33 years after being found guilty of the murders of Thomas Sharkey Snr and his son and daughter at their home in Helensburgh.

The Crown brought proceedings against Snowden, 39, to seize any criminal profits.

At a hearing in the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, advocate depute Barry Divers said the case has been settled and it had been agreed that the benefit from Snowden’s general criminal conduct was £119,000, but asked the court to make a confiscation order in the sum of £8,500, saying: “That figure represents his realisable assets.” Judge Lord Jones granted the order and gave Snowden six months to pay.

The £8,500 includes money from a bank account and cash that was seized.

Snowden’s other assets included designer watches, jewellery, and handbags.

Following the court hearing the Crown Office said Snowden would face a Proceeds of Crime bill for more £110,000 if he is ever released from his life sentence.

Snowden was earlier found guilty after a trial of murdering Mr Sharkey, 55, his son Thomas, 21, and daughter Bridget, 8, in a fire attack on the family home in Scott Court, Helensburgh, in July 2011.

He was also convicted of attempting to murder Mr Sharkey’s wife, Angela, 48, who survived the horror. She came off a life support machine to be told that her family were dead.

Snowden’s accomplice in the murder, Robert Jennings, 51, was also jailed for life and ordered to serve at least 29 years in jail. Snowden had also been jailed for drugs offences.

Jennings set fire to the only door of the house in the early hours of the morning, while Snowden was on a holiday in Mexico, by pouring petrol through the letterbox and setting it alight.

Mr Sharkey Snr inhaled smoke and suffered burns and died later in hospital. His son was pronounced dead at the scene and his daughter also died in hospital.