Pair convicted for trying to steal car

A regular round-up of recent cases at Bradford Crown Court and Calderdale Magistrates’ Court Two men were convicted for attempted car theft after trying to steal a Land Rover Discovery from the forecourt of PHG Motors, Hipperholme. Calderdale Magistrates Court heard how Nathan Asquith, 27, and James Harmer, 22, were discovered by police at 3am on June 25 next to the vehicle at the premises on Halifax Road.

Prosecutor Jane Farrar told the court that upon inspection, police officers found that attempts had been made to force the lock, and on the ground nearby they found a screwdriver and a latex glove.

Arresting officer PC Ronan told the court: “It looked like someone had tried to barrel out the lock and there were fresh metal shavings around the lock. I suspected they were responsible for the attempted theft of the vehicle.”

During police interviews, Asquith said he was inspecting the Land Rover because he was interested in buying it.

In defence, he said: “I know it looks dodgy, but there’s no crime in going to look at a vehicle.” The pair denied the charge but the magistrates found both men guilty.

Chair of Magistrates Anthea Wood told them: “We feel that weight of the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming.” Asquith, of Edinburgh Road, Leeds, who is serving an eight-week prison sentence for handling stolen goods, was given a 16-week prison sentence to be served concurrently with his current jail term. Harmer, who is subject to an 18-month suspended sentence for possession of cannabis with intent to supply, will be sentenced at Bradford Crown Court on September 24.