Community order for Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Case study summary

Our client pleaded guilty to theft and handling stolen goods - stolen cars and their parts. Following extensive mitigation he received a community order in the Crown Court which is an uncommon occurrance.

Case study

Our client, along with two co-defendants, was charged with theft of motor vehicles and handling stolen goods. He instructed us at the start of the case when he was arrested and we represented him throughout. He accepted that he was guilty and was selling the stolen vehicle parts on eBay to make money.

Following extensive mitigation and careful consideration of the evidence, he pleaded guilty and the case was sent to the Crown Court for sentence. We instructed a specialist barrister to represent him at court and made it clear to the Judge that our client was desperate to make a living to support his wife and child.

He received a 12 month community order which is a sentence often given in the Magistrates' Court. It is not usually given in the Crown Court, especially where several vehicles are stolen.

Our client was extremely pleased with the result and the fact that he avoided prison.