Sold stolen car parts on e-Bay

Published on 7th September 2006 in News

CAR crook Scott Burns has been banned from owning a computer for two years in an effort to stop him selling stolen parts on e-Bay.

Conman Burns has a record for handling stolen motorcycle and car parts and was caught red-handed breaking down an expensive Volkswagen Golf V6 for sale on the internet, Hull Crown Court heard.

He has now been banned from having a computer in his Goole home as part of a suspended prison sentence to stop him resorting to crime.

Burns, 25, of Jackson Street, Goole, was given a seven-month sentence for handling motorcycles, car tyres, and possession of cannabis in May.

He appeared again at Hull Crown Court on Monday September 4 following a police investigation into his internet sale of parts after two high-value Volkswagens were traced to his father's allotment.

Prosecutor Nawaz Hussain said large parts from a £12,000 VW Golf stolen in April 2003 and a Golf V6 stolen in August last year were found on allotments at Moorfield Farm during a police search.

Traded broken down stolen cars

on internet auction site

Burns was arrested and his home computer and a digital camera were examined, revealing e-Bay trading of parts from both cars. Mr Hussain said the ownership of the allotment was traced to Burns' father who admitted the cars had been driven onto the allotments and his son had started taking them apart.

Mr Hussain said: "During interview Burns said he had purchased both cars for £500 each knowing they were stolen and set about selling parts off on the internet."

He said Burns had a record of dishonesty and violence which resulted in custody in 1998 and 2001. His last court appearance was in May.

Defence barrister David Taylor said these were old offences, he had a family and Burns' wife was the breadwinner of the household who works and has property in her name.

He said Burns knew he would be facing a police 'proceeds of crime' inquiry and was hoping he would not be sent back to prison.

Recorder Hyland, QC, ordered Burns to stand as he told him: "You could not complain if I sent you to prison for 18 months, but I am not going to. The sentence will be 51 weeks in prison suspended for two years. If you are brought back before the courts in the next two years you will be sentenced for these offences again."

He also ordered 100 hours of community punishment and imposed a ban on him possessing a computer for two years.

Burns faces further criminal proceedings in an effort to recover any cash he may have accrued from his crimes. This week he was allowed to walk free from court. He is next due at Hull Crown Court on October 8.