Weston-super-Mare man sentenced for fraud and going equipped to steal
Police stopped Maughan on Notaro Way, Bridgwater, on 4th March, after intelligence reports linked his grey Ford C-Max to criminal activity in the area
A man from Weston-super-Mare, has been sentenced for multiple offences, including going equipped to steal, after being stopped by roads policing officers in Bridgwater.
Gary Maughan, 33, was sentenced at Taunton Magistrates' Court yesterday (11/6) following the admission of several offences.
Police stopped Maughan on Notaro Way, Bridgwater, on 4th March, after intelligence reports linked his grey Ford C-Max to criminal activity in the area.
Officers discovered false registration plates on the vehicle and additional plates inside, raising suspicions.
Further checks revealed Maughan was driving despite his licence being medically revoked, and the car was not insured.
A search of the vehicle uncovered tools commonly associated with vehicle theft, such as a trolley jack, reciprocating saw, and impact drill.
Maughan pleaded guilty to charges including going equipped for theft, driving without a valid licence, using a vehicle without insurance, fraudulently using a registration mark, and possessing an article for use in fraud.
He received a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £100 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
'Roads policing is far more than enforcing traffic laws'
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles commented on the case, highlighting the importance of proactive checks.
"This case demonstrates how roads policing is about far more than enforcing traffic laws.
The vehicle was stopped proactively based on intelligence, and officers' enquiries uncovered multiple offences.
Criminals often use the road network to facilitate offending and avoid detection.
By targeting suspicious vehicles and carrying out proactive checks, roads policing officers disrupt criminal activity and protect communities,” Boiles said.