Head of book theft gang jailed

Jordan was also found guilty of handling stolen goods

A man who used a gang to carry out daily raids on leading book stores has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years.

Ronald Jordan, from Finchley, north London, was found guilty last month for conspiracy to steal between November 2001 and November 2002.

Southwark Crown Court in London heard that when police raided the 61-year-old's four-bedroom house they found 25,000 stolen books.

The market trader would sell the books off makeshift tables at bargain prices.

On Friday, Judge Rodney McKinnon told Jordan: "This was a serious conspiracy involving the theft of thousands of travel books and children's books.

Very devious and obsessive man ... driven by greed Inspector Andy Manning

"It is without doubt that you were at the centre of it, selling stolen books brought to you by shoplifters in boxes and rucksacks.

"You handed over money for them and then placed them on your stalls for sale to the public at slightly lower prices so as not to arouse suspicion."

The judge also said that the book stores which were targeted "suffered considerable losses".

"This was not a case of just occasionally receiving a stolen book from shop thieves. I am quite satisfied this was an organised operation by you."

Jordan was also found guilty of handling stolen goods last summer.

Traced cash

Three of his so-called "leg men", who earned £1 for every book they got, were also jailed after being convicted of conspiracy to steal.

Raymond Davis, 35, and his brother Derek, 37, both of Charlton Street, Islington, north London, each received 15 months.

Ronald Pegado, 27, of Wix Lane, Clapham, south west London, received a two-year community rehabilitation order.

Outside court, Inspector Andy Manning, who led the inquiry, said Jordan was a "very devious and obsessive man ... driven by greed".

"However, he did not spend his money. Instead, he ploughed it into bonds, ISAs and numerous current accounts."

Police have traced £350,000 in cash so far but suspect Jordan made much more.

The court heard that he ran his criminal empire from two market stalls - one in Dominion Street in the City and the other under the Arches at Waterloo Station.