Agency is attempting to recover net assets of about �85,000

The ARA brought civil proceedings against Cecil Walsh, serving six years for conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

He claimed he should have the same protection as defendants in criminal trials. The Court of Appeal decided on Wednesday he was not entitled to them.

The case will not return to the High Court until it is decided if Walsh can appeal to House of Lords.

ARA director Jane Earl said: "This means that the new civil recovery regime has passed another significant legal challenge. The agency is committed to using its powers firmly and fairly to recover proceeds of crime.

"The judgment confirms that we can pursue assets obtained from unlawful conduct committed at any time in the last 12 years."

Walsh was jailed at Antrim Crown Court in April 2003 after pleading guilty to armed robbery relating to a security van in August 2001.

The agency is attempting to recover his net assets of about �85,000 in the High Court.