Drug dealers' cash will go to helping charities thanks to a crown court scheme.

Worthy-causes will benefit from pledges worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Previously, money confiscated from convicted drug dealers would help fill the coffers of the authorities.

But now domestic abuse and addiction charities will receive a helpful boost thanks to Canterbury Crown Court’s fundraising.

Already £38,000 has been earmarked for The St Giles Trust and Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, Judge Mark Weekes said.

The latest addition to Canterbury’s judiciary said: “I’m delighted that the hard work of the court staff, with the cooperation of the police and crown prosecution service, has managed to produce a result which will benefit the two charities.

“It means the cash otherwise funding criminals will instead benefit good causes.”

Canterbury is understood to be the third UK court centre now involved in the scheme, joining Aylesbury and Liverpool crown courts.

And sifting through 12-months of legal files to tally up the backlogged amount has taken court clerks dozens of hours.

The annual pledges, which are expected to continue indefinitely, come as charities strain under the weight of the cost of living crunch.

The sector is expected to be one of the worst hit in April, with a drop in money to good causes already brought on by the pandemic.

And court staff told how they’re “looking forward” to continuing the pledges as funds from elsewhere could potentially dry up.

“The two causes are close to all of our hearts and we look forward to continuing the project in the future.

“With all of the doom and gloom many of us are surrounded by, we’re happy to help by adding something positive, especially for those most in need,” a statement from the court clerks said.

The St Giles Trust works to help those affected by poverty, abuse and addiction, and exploited by those involved in crime.

Oasis Domestic Abuse Service helps adults, children and young people affected by abuse, including helping victims with refuge and counselling.