A CRIMINAL gang stole machinery from a charity for disabled children near Alderley Edge during a series of "professional" thefts totalling £350,000 of property.

The professional thieves plundered specialist equipment farms and building sites across Cheshire for five months devastating the farming community, a court heard.

During the spree, three men raided the David Lewis College site which helps young people with epilepsy and learning difficulties.

The trio, who have now been jailed, broke into a compound away from the main college buildings stealing more than £10,000 of building machinery belonging to contractors.

Knutsford Crown Court was told they stole two mini diggers and a trailer in October last year.

Peter Illidge, 27, Liam McGuigan, 20, and Paul Edwards, 27, all admitted charges of theft, and were locked up by a judge at Knutsford Crown Court last Wednesday (October 7).

They were joined by another seven defendants connected with the raids across Cheshire.

They stole tractors and trailers, bailing machines, quad bikes, a jet-ski and a speedboat in a string of ‘brazen’ crimes.

In one ‘barefaced’ offence four of the gang drove past Cheshire Police headquarters in tractors during their getaway, the court was told.

Ten men admitted a total of 44 offences and were sentenced at Knutsford Crown Court.

More than £200,000 worth of goods were never recovered.

Judge Nicholas Woodward told the defendants: "These offences have all the hallmarks of professional and lucrative crimes that clearly couldn’t have been committed without appropriate planning and determination."

The court heard how Illidge, and Christopher Smalley, 27, from Northwich, had central roles in the operation.

They admitted taking part in 17 thefts and the court heard how they rented an industrial unit in Northwich where many of the stolen goods were stashed. They also admitted handling stolen goods.

Illidge, of Warren Avenue, Lostock Gralam, was jailed for three and a half years. Smalley, of Fernlea Road, Northwich was jailed for three years.

Cheshire Police used secret mobile phone tracking techniques and CCTV surveillance to link the suspects to each crime and crack the criminal network.

Judge Woodward hailed the police efforts and added: "A number of these offences can only be described as brazen.

"The victims of these offences had to face not only the loss of equipment but also had to face significant disruption to their business. It was essential for them to carry out their normal tasks of carrying out a living, providing for themselves and their families and work for other people."

In the dock:

  • Liam McGuigan, 20, formerly of Hesketh Drive, Lostock Gralam, admitted eight counts of theft and was jailed for two and a half years.
  • Matthew Tyrer, 35, of Lime Avenue, Weaverham, admitted attempted burglary and was jailed for six months.
  • Shaun Higgins, 39, of Braemar Avenue, Northwich, admitted two counts of handling stolen property and was jailed for 12 months suspended for a year and given 250 hours community punishment.
  • Paul Edwards, 27, of David Street, Northwich, admitted six counts of theft and was jailed for 18 months.
  • Jamie Meredith, 22, of Rookery Rise, Winsford, admitted one count of theft and was jailed for 12 months suspended for 18 months.
  • Ben Gee, 21, of Eddisbury Way, Northwich, admitted two counts of theft and was jailed for 12 months suspended for 18 months.
  • Andrew Devine, 24, of Meanee Drive, Nantwich, a former lance Corporal who served in Iraq and Northern Ireland, admitted one count of attempted theft, and was given a community order with 12 months supervision.
  • Anthony Brown, 25, of Ashwood Close, Barnton, Northwich, admitted one count of attempted burglary and was given 250 hours community punishment.