One man has been jailed and two others handed suspended sentences for their role as members of a cable theft gang which cost the rail industry more than £223,000.
Anthony Fretwell, age 32, of Asquith Road, Bentley, was sentenced to nine months in jail and Jacob Scott received a three month suspended sentence for 12 months on Monday, April 18 at Sheffield Crown Court.
Philip Smith was also given a three month suspended sentence for 12 months yesterday, Monday, April 25.
Three others received community orders for their involvement in the theft of cable from a multi million pound railway scheme, the North Doncaster Alliance Chord Project.
Over a period of seven weeks during February and March 2014, the gang used hacksaws to steal cable from three locations in the Shaftholme area, before selling it onto metal recycling firms for cash.
On two occasions Fretwell and Granger were spotted in the act of stealing the cable by campers in the rural location.
Text messages made between the gang were retrieved as part of the British Transport Police investigation and revealed the plot to steal, stash and sell on the stolen cable.
Bank accounts and vehicles registered to the gang members tallied with scrap metal and recycling firm’s records.
DC Bob Hunt from British Transport Police said, "this was an audacious plot to steal cable from the rail network and sell it on in exchange for cash. Thanks to the efforts of British Transport Police, irrefutable evidence presented in court proved Fretwell, Scott, Smith, Cocks, Hackett and Granger’s involvement in the crime.
“The message here is clear – anyone who decides to engage in criminal activity of this sort to make some quick cash should be mindful that we will do everything in our power to bring them to justice.”
Neil Henry, area director for Network Rail, said, “cable theft is not a victimless crime – far from it. Train delays and cancellations directly affect people getting to work, visiting family and travelling to hospital appointments. Cable thieves disrupt people’s lives and we will continue working with British Transport Police to protect the rail network upon which our economy relies.”
Jacob Scott, age 21, of Grosvenor Crescent, Arkesy was sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work, as well as being subject to a four month curfew from 8pm until 7am.
Philip Smith, age 39, of West End Avenue, Bentley, was given a three month suspended sentence for 12 months and must carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.
Shane Granger, age 24, of The Avenue, Bentley, received a 12 month community order, 120 hours of unpaid work and a three month curfew.
Reece Cocks, age 25, of Daw Wood, Bentley, received a 12 month community order, 150 hours unpaid work and a three month curfew.
Jack Hackett, age 22, of Arthur Street, Bentley, was given a 12 month community order, 100 hours unpaid work.
