EX-FOOTBALLER ‘RINGLEADER’ OF THEFTS PLOT
AFORMER footballer was the “ringleader” of a plot to steal more than £100,000 worth of farm machinery “to order”. Richard “Ricky” Lee Evans, an exOldham Athletic and Welsh Premier League footballer, is one of three men sentenced to a total of seven years four months for their part in the plot.
A tractor, digger, quad bike and trailers were just some of the items taken from agricultural communities in Gwynedd, Wrexham and Denbighshire between 2017 and 2018.
Evans, 43, who played for Airbus, Bangor City and Rhyl was jailed for three years, three months.
Shane Jones, 30, of Hywelfa, Wrexham, was jailed for 28 months for his lesser involvement.
John Price, 29, of a caravan site in
Lodge Road, Telford, involved in two incidents, was sent to prison for two years.
A proceeds of crime application will be made by the prosecution. They admitted conspiracy to steal.
Judge Niclas Parry at Caernarfon crown court told them: “You have admitted your parts in what was nothing less than a professional, sophisticated, well-planned conspiracy targeting the remote agricultural industry.
“I have little doubt that these were goods stolen to order for customers ready to receive what had been taken.”
The judge said it was so profitable that Evans, of Arfryn, Southsea, Wrexham, had been paying £300 a month for a unit to store stolen property.
Prosecuting counsel John Philpotts said the trio admitted a conspiracy to steal machinery between October 2017 and November 2018, and then listed goods stolen.
But a £5,000 quad bike stolen at Machynlleth had a tracking device and this led police to Jones’ property and a van, Mr Philpotts said.
Andrew Green, defending, said Evans had been respected by those at the football club. “His biggest regret now are the implications for his family,” the barrister said. “He has a wife, they have five children.”
John Hedgecoe, counsel for Jones, said he was hardworking. “He’s keen to make a fresh start to provide for his family,” counsel declared.
Jemma Gordon, for Price, said he was involved in two out of eight thefts. He worked for a scaffolding firm and there were financial reasons for his behaviour.