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Search forWaddon rogue dealers stole scrap metal from rival yard
Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 16:09
Waddon duo James Reading, 21, and David Hilden, 25, loaded up their transit van with their spoils at a builder's yard.
But an eagle eyed neighbour spotted the dubious goings-on and called police, who caught the pair in the act.
On Friday, after both men pleaded guilty to theft, prosecutor Jill Beale told Guildford Crown Court: "A neighbour noticed something strange going on and saw two people in there.
"There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing going on."
Ms Beale told the court when they were questioned by officers on the day in question, February 25, they said they had met an Irish guy who had asked them to clear the metal.
The pair, both of Lathams Way, said therefore they had a right to be there.
However, their story did not check out, and subsequent investigations showed Hilden had even been convicted of burglary of a non commercial building at Croydon Magistrates just a day earlier.
Judge Kenneth Hamer, described it as a "planned and organised theft."
He said: "You had no defence because you were caught red handed.
"You were stealing from another scrap metal dealer for the purpose of your own business opportunity."
Hilden of Lathams Way, Croydon, was given an eight month sentence suspended for 18 months.
Reading also of Lathams Way, got four months suspended for 18 months.
Both men were banned from going within half a mile of Fir Tree Road, Banstead, where they were arrested.
The judge also ordered forfeiture of the van which was bought by Hilden for £2,600 just a week earlier.
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