SEVEN members of an organised crime gang – headed by a notorious scrapyard boss – have been sentenced for their roles in a £1million stolen goods operation. 

Tommy and Mary Smith, along with several associates, appeared in Preston Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to charges relating to conspiracy of theft and money laundering.

The court heard how charges had been brought against the crime gang as a result of three ‘long and complex’ police operations named Hewton, Runback and Redmill, carried out by police between 2016 and 2018.

Tommy, who is already serving a five-year sentence for possession of a firearm, was jailed for six and a half years while his wife Mary was jailed for 15 months.

Prosecuting, Mark Monaghan said the case primarily concerned stolen goods in the form of motor cars and machinery that went through the hands of Tommy Smith and, to a lesser degree, his wife, their associates and employees.

Lancashire Telegraph:

He said: “The first police operation centred around the search of the TH Smith & Sons scrapyard in Great Harwood in January 2016 and the discovery of parts from 54 separate stolen cars, vans and other machinery.

"The second operation relates to a large amount of stolen plant and machinery that was put through online auctions and bought by innocent purchasers via a company called GHM Ltd.

“The third part relates to a series of thefts and handling between late 2017 and June 2018.”

The court later heard that proceeds made from their criminal activities were shifted in and out of different bank accounts, with large sums of cash being withdrawn at times. 

Tommy and Mary Smith also used money made from their crimes to go on lavish spending sprees, on one occasion splashing £3,000 in London department store Harrods, prosecutors say.

Mr Monaghan added: “This was a very well thought out and planned enterprise.”

The couple, who live in a large ‘well furnished home’ on the Great Harwood scrapyard, have long been at the centre of a long legal saga regarding the unauthorised burning of waste materials at the site.

Tommy also has a string of previous convictions under his belt including firearm offences for which he was jailed in November.

In a statement released after the sentencing, a police spokesman said that evidence was gathered which showed the gang had orchestrated thefts, sales and attempts to sell the stolen property. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Det Insp Vinnie De Curtis said: “In 2017 we became aware of a number of high-value thefts linked to Tommy Smith and his associates. Following enquiries we unearthed a widespread and deliberate conspiracy to steal machinery, vehicles and stock amounting to thousands of pounds.

“The audacity of those involved in stealing these items was staggering, with the goods often taken from within secure compounds before being sold on, or taken to auction.

“The criminal activity of these individuals, while initially low-key, became more and more brazen, with officers quickly gathering evidence which linked those involved.We welcome the sentences handed down at court which should serve as a warning to others.”

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Five others were sentenced for their roles in Tommy Smith's enterprise:

  • Scott Paton, 31, of Burnley Road, Brierfield was jailed for 25 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and money laundering.
  •  Steven Harwood, 51, of Lord Street, Rishton was jailed for 16 months, suspended for 18 months and was ordered to carry out 160 hours unpaid work for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and money laundering
  • Leonard Perkins, 28, formerly of Bridgefield Close, Rishton is already serving in HMP Preston and will serve a concurrent eight weeks for handling stolen goods and two counts of theft.
  •  Anthony Miller, 45, of Bostons, Great Harwood was issued an 18-month community order and must undertake 140 hours of unpaid work after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
  • Keiron Savage, 28, of Garden Street, Great Harwood, was jailed for 16 months suspended for 18 months and must undertake 160 hours of unpaid work for conspiracy of handling stolen goods. 

More to follow.