Stolen goods building boss spared prison

A Mansfield builder has narrowly escaped jail after he was found in possession of a car stolen from a dealership in the town.
courtcourt
court

Richard Horsfield (31) of Chelmorton Close, had denied handling stolen goods but was found guilty following a trial at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on 14th May.

At his sentencing hearing at the court on Thursday, 22nd May, the court heard that the Mitsubishi Shogun vehicle had been stolen from Evans Halshaw, in Southwell Road West, in June last year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Six months later the vehicle was spotted by an employee of the dealership, parked in Main Avenue, Forest Town, the court heard.

The police were called and Horsfield was identified from DNA found on a Lucozade bottle in the vehicle.

When questioned by police, Horsfield, who had previously been employed as a salesman by Evans Halshaw, said that he had bought the vehicle in good faith for £9,000 from a man called Dave.

Prosecuting, Neil Hollett told the court that false plates had been fitted to the vehicle and that Horsfield had a previous conviction for dishonesty.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Defending, Michael Little told the court that Horsfield ran a building firm, and a custodial sentence would put other people out of work.

“There is no suggestion that this was an inside job,” he said.

Horsfield was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid word. He must also pay £650 in costs and charges.

Related topics: