Thief Who Left Number Plate At Crime Scene Sentenced

HALF of a thieving duo caught stealing from a farm before colliding with a tree and leaving their van number plate behind, was sentenced by magistrates this week. Duncan Brittain was given a four-month electronic tagging order, keeping him at home every n

HALF of a thieving duo caught stealing from a farm before colliding with a tree and leaving their van number plate behind, was sentenced by magistrates this week.

Duncan Brittain was given a four-month electronic tagging order, keeping him at home every night between 7pm and 7am.

Brittain, 31, formerly of Fenland Way, Chatteris, chose to have the curfew operated from his girlfriend's home at Childersgate Lane, Sutton St James. He must pay �60 costs.

Ely magistrates adjourned the sentencing of co-defendant Freddie Shepherd, 33, of Fenland Way, Chatteris, for seven days, for him to be legally represented.

At an earlier hearing, both men had admitted stealing �4,000 worth of items from a Pymoor farm on April 10.

They had been caught by the owner as they loaded a van with farm equipment and car parts. Shepherd drove off across a field; he collided with a tree and left a number plate behind.

The farm owner followed the van and called police, who stopped the thieves at Mepal.