'Expert' car-ringing gang jailed

A gang of car-ringers have been sentenced for a scam which was described by a judge as "sophisticated and expertly executed".

Cars worth more than £400,0000 were stolen across Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The cars' identities were removed and switched for those of scrapped cars, Luton Crown Court had heard.

Seven people were jailed for between 15 months and five years and four others given suspended sentences.

The court heard the technique used by the gang was so good it had fooled registered dealers - and a police expert had said it was the best "cloning" job he had seen.

'Total scale unknown'

Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan QC said the altered cars were sold on to unsuspecting buyers.

He told the court how one couple had needed to visit their child in hospital when police arrived to take away their car and another man had saved for years to buy his dream car only to see it seized.

The gang were arrested in police raids in July 2006.

Sentencing, Judge Richard Foster said: "The total scale of the conspiracy will perhaps never be known.

"Before the court have been 30 pairings of cars of a value of at least £427,000.

"But the actual loss does not end there. The so-called rung vehicles are sold on to innocent purchasers who hand over their hard-earned money.

"Also every motorist has to pay more for car insurance because of the activities of you and others."

Sentences given

Patrick Doherty, 31, of St James Close, Pulloxhill, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle and conspiracy to disguise criminal property, was jailed for five years.

Jean Griffiths, 36 of Stephens Close, Luton, and James East, 35 of Half Moon Lane, Pepperstock, who pleaded guilty to the same two charges were each jailed for four and a half years.

Anthony Joseph, 30, of Kimberly Close, Luton, and Robert Wilson, 33 of Bracknell Close, Luton, pleaded not guilty to the same charges but were convicted after trial. They were each jailed for four years.

Keiran Brennan, 32 of Ereswell Road, Luton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods and was jailed for two and a half years.

Kevin O'Neill, 34 of Repton Close, Luton pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and was jailed for 15 months.

Angel Brown, 31 of St. James Close, Pulloxhill, Sean Doherty, 34 of Durham Close, Flitwick and Kevin Linden Brown, 41 of Luton , pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and were each given a year's prison sentence suspended for two years.

Angel Brown was told she must carry out 250 hours of work, Doherty 200 hours and Kevin Linden Brown, 150 hours.

Alan Lynch, 34, of Sanfoin Road, Luton, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and was given a 12 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work.

Michael Dickens, 41 of Home Farm, Tingrith, who pleaded guilty to two charges of conspiracy will be sentenced after a hearing to establish his exact role.