Two men convicted following investigation into rural thefts
Date of alert:
Friday, 18 February 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Avon & Somerset Constabulary
Two men have been convicted of the theft and dishonest handling of property from farms across west Somerset following a lengthy police investigation.
Jeffery Hughes, 45, of John Street, Bridgwater and Gareth Hayward, 19, of Coleridge Square, Bridgwater both pleaded guilty to the charges, which related to a number of high-value thefts that took place during the first half of 2020.
These included thefts of quad bikes and trailers, and a 4×4 vehicle and a motorhome with a combined value of around £45,000.
The pair appeared at Taunton Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 10 February.
Hughes was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also made subject to an overnight curfew and fitted with an electronic tag.
Hayward was given a Community Order for 180 hours and disqualified from driving for two years
