Young dad admits spree of farm theft (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Young dad admits spree of farm theft

Father-of-two Julian Webb, who stole more than £53,000 worth of quad bikes while in cahoots with travellers, has given himself up and confessed to the police.

Webb, 18, of Railway Cottages, Brinkworth, appeared in Chippenham Magistrates Court on January 30 charged with four counts of burglary and three counts of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent.

He also asked for seven more offences to be taken into consideration.

Prosecuting, Simon Brenchley said Webb had come forward to the police and offered to wipe the slate clean, so he should be given credit for his submissions.

Webb's stealing spree ran for 11 months from January to November 2003. He stole quad bikes and trailers from outbuildings at a number of farms in Braydon, Little Somerford, Brinkworth and Pewsham.

Defending, John Elliot, said Webb had confessed to 19 offences altogether.

"My client went to the police, not the other way round, which is most unusual. He was working in concert with travellers and reaping the rewards."

Mr Elliot told the court that Webb had carried out the crimes because he had no job and two young children to support.

Mr Elliot said Webb could never pay compensation to his victims because it amounted to more than £21,000.

Magistrate Frederick Palmer said Webb would have to be sentenced at the crown court because of the high value of the goods stolen and the professional nature in which the burglaries were carried out.

Webb was released on conditional bail to live and sleep at his address and observe a curfew from 10pm until 7am.

He will appear at Swindon Crown Court at a date to be confirmed.