R v G Conspiracy to Steal – Warwick Crown Court
Andy was instructed to represent his client in a case involving a large-scale conspiracy to steal high value equipment from the BT Openreach company, at locations across the width and breadth of the UK, over a 10-month period.
Over the course of 34 separate events direct loss of over £260K of equipment and an indirect loss of £127K was caused. The Prosecution alleged that the client played a leading role in the conspiracy and was the lead organiser.
A basis of plea was submitted on the client’s behalf, limiting his involvement and role in the overall conspiracy and submissions were made in relation to his categorisation at sentence.
The basis was eventually broadly accepted by the Prosecution and a Newton hearing was not necessary.
The Prosecution at sentence made submissions that the starting point for sentence was 3 years and 6 months custody with a range of 2 -6 years.
Andy obtained significant material in mitigation and the Court were persuaded to sentence the client to a suspended sentence of 21 months imprisonment suspended for two years.
Merry Van Woodenberg of 2 Hare Court Chambers was instructed Counsel
