Crooks who ran ‘chop shops’ for cars are sentenced to prison

A GANG of nine car thieves who ran “chop shops” across West Yorkshire have been sentenced.

The investigation began after an owner was injured when he was dragged behind his van as he tried to prevent it being stolen.

Over £1m of high-value keyless cars, vans and tools were taken from Leeds, Wakefield and Kirklees – with many of the vehicles stripped down for parts in three “chop shops” the gang ran in Leeds and Dewsbury.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley said: “This was an organised crime group who profited from other people’s misery by targeting high-value vehicles and trade vans containing tools.”

The nine sentenced at Leeds Crown Court were:

Mark Smith, 40, of Tong Way, Leeds, who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment after being found guilty of robbery and a further three years for conspiracy to steal vehicles.

Andrew Oldroyd, 49, of Wood Lane, Rothwell, who admitted two counts of conspiracy to steal vehicles and one of handling stolen goods. He was sentenced to seven and a half years imprisonment.

Sam Oliver, 34, of Fifth Avenue, Rothwell, who admitted two counts of conspiracy to steal vehicles, was sentenced to six years and three months imprisonment.

Adrian Stewart, 35, of Meynell Approach, Leeds, who admitted one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles and one count of handling stolen goods, was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment.

Jason Tester, 51, of Cottingley Road, Leeds, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Peter Hoyle, 38, of Aberford Road, Woodlesford, who admitted one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles, was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment.

Edgar Uzulins, 34, of Baileys Crescent, Leeds, admitted one count of handling stolen goods and was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Julie Hainsworth, 48, of Stratford Avenue, Beeston, Leeds, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles and sentenced to nine months, suspended for two years.

James Hemingway, 50, of Wood Drive, Rothwell, was sentenced to two months imprisonment after admitting one count of perverting the course of justice.