A NORTHFIELD man has been handed a two-month suspended sentence and been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for receiving and handling stolen goods.
Craig Edwards, of Condover Road, pleaded guilty at Redditch Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 15) to buying a £400 Apple iPad from a man in pub for £180 in Barnt Green, between October 16 and December 6 2013, knowing or believing it to be stolen.
The self-employed mechanic also admitted to handling and selling a £100 Amazon Kindle to the CEX shop in Northfield, on September 9 2013, knowing or believeing it to be stolen.
For his crimes, the magistrates also ordered the 39-year-old to pay £100 in compensation.
The court heard how Edwards was arrested on July 1, 2013, after an iPad was found in the boot of his car during a search warrant – which was part of an extensive burglary inquiry.
The Amazon Kindle had been stolen during a burglary at a static caravan at Blackwell Adventure Centre last August – Edwards claimed he bought it from an unknown man.
Det Con Tony Flannagan, from a West Mercia police burglary team, said identifying those involved in receiving and handling stolen property was a priority for the police.
He added how people should not buy goods in suspicious circumstances.
“Do not be tempted as you may end up with a criminal record.
“If you see someone trying to sell items you suspect are stolen, please contact the police.
“We not only target burglars and thieves but also those tempted to obtain stolen goods.
“As in this case, offenders are likely to face an immediate or suspended prison sentence.” he said.
