Ringleader of Telford car theft gang is jailed

Shaun Allen was described as the main man in the criminal operation targeting Land Rovers.

A court heard that police investigating the thefts came across text messages that referred to the men, from Telford, "going looking for Landies".

Allen, 32, of Tilleys Close, Lightmoor, was sentenced to two years in prison when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court. Along with his co-accused Frank Thompson, 20, Samuel Moore, 22 and William Davies, 22, they were charged with three counts of conspiracy to steal between November 2014 and January 2015.

Thompson, of Newfield Drive, Trench, was described as the lieutenant in the operation while Moore, of Jarrett Walk, Muxton, and Davies, of Overdale, were said to be involved to a lesser extent.

Prosecutor Sally Cairns said: "The first theft took place on the night of November 11, 2014, when a Land Rover belonging to a doctor was stolen from outside his house in Edgmond. The second was on January 5, 2015, when another Land Rover was stolen from Wenlock Motors. CCTV showed three people on the premises and then the car was rammed into the security gates before being driven to Telford. Mobile telephone records placed three of the defendants at the scene and then later at Doseley.

"The third theft was of a vehicle taken of the night January 12 from outside from a home in Telford. It also contained tools worth £1,500."

She added that Allen concealed the cars at his business, which was called SA Motors.

On January 13 police went to the business and all four defendants were arrested.

When arrested, police found a number of vehicle parts scattered around the garage.

Mr Stephen Scully, for Allen, said that his client accepted his role in the thefts. He added that Allen had now changed the name of his business and was working at regaining people's trust.

Judge James Tindal said: "You have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal Land Rovers. You stole from people. They were all affected by your actions."

Moore and Thompson were sentenced to 18 months imprisonment each suspended for two years. They were also placed on a supervision order for 12 months. Thompson was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work while Moore was ordered to carry out 100.

Davies was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years and was given a supervision order for 12 months. He was also told to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.

All three were ordered to pay costs of £500 each.