Truck thief given lengthy prison sentence

A scrap metal dealer and truck thief has been sent to prison for four years and ten months. Thomas Smith, 35, of Meadow Street, Greet Harwood, (pictured) was sentenced at Preston Crown Court last month (11 December).

He had pleaded guilty to stealing a £25,000 LGV from North Wales and handling a £350 Mercedes and £15,000 blue Scania truck. He also pleaded guilty to witness intimidation.

Smith was arrested after police raided his scrap yard on 14 December 2011 and discovered the Mercedes and the Scania, which had been stolen from Derbyshire and West Yorkshire respectively.

During the investigation, Smith intimidated one of the main witnesses in the case, arranging for them to receive several threatening phone calls.

On 3 October, Smith visited the man at his work in Derbyshire where he threatened to shoot him and his family if he attended court to give evidence. He was arrested and remanded in custody.

CM.com understands that one of the companies affected by Smith’s actions is OJ Jones & Son based in Porthmadog, Gwynedd. The family haulier runs 14 trucks and specialises in hauling aggregates.

Detective-Sergeant Ian Proctor from Lancashire Police said:  “I hope this case acts as a warning to offenders who think they are above the law. The police will relentlessly pursue those who are involved in crime and we will do everything in our power to target them and bring them to justice.

A further two men will be sentenced on 1 February having pleaded guilty to theft and perverting the course of justice.