Bolton: Four of gang sentenced for chop shop conspiracy

Alan Greenhough, 65, Vicky Strange, 38, David Woolham, 21, and Thomas Woolham, 38, played "lower level" parts in the conspiracy. 

An estimated £700,000 worth of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans from across Bolton and further afield were stolen as part of the conspiracy and taken to breakers yards in Farnworth, Halliwell and Westhoughton. 

On July 5, the quartet were sentenced at Bolton Crown Court over their involvement. 

The Honorary Recorder for Bolton, Judge Martin Walsh, said: "You each fall to be sentenced for offences of conspiracy to steal and handling stolen motor vehicles. 

"You played lower-level parts, assisting those in the operation of the conspiracy. 

"The total number of stolen vehicles recovered is worth an estimated £700,000." 

He added: "High-value tools inside the vehicles were also stolen. The vehicles were broken up into valuable parts and sold on to others. 

"The parts played by each of you are different." 

All four had previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle and conspiracy to receive stolen goods. 

Sentencing Greenhough, of Egerton Street, Farnworth, Judge Walsh said he had been recruited to work at the Halliwell yard, breaking up vehicles. 

He said: "You are 65 and have an extensive record of low-level offending.

"A conservative estimate is that the vehicles that went through the Halliwell yard were worth £300,000, around a third of the conspiracy. 

"You were involved in a group activity, breaking up vehicles for others." 

He added that, although Greenhough's offending passed the custodial threshold, due to his age and his lack of convictions since 2010 it could be suspended. 

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The sentencing took place at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Judge Walsh sentenced Greenhough to 18 months, suspended for two years. 

Addressing Strange, of Iris Avenue, Farnworth, he highlighted her "extensive record", but said she had "recently made significant efforts" to address her longstanding drug addiction. 

He gave her a three-year community order, subject to 45 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 12-month drug treatment requirement. 

Addressing Thomas Woolham, of St Gregory Close, Farnworth, Judge Walsh said: "You were involved in it, but I accept you were working for modest wages under direction. 

"You are 38 and have one previous offence for theft." 

He gave him an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years, alongside unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Finally, addressing David Woolham, of Spa Crescent, Little Hulton, Judge Walsh highlighted how he had no previous offences and was only 17 at the time of the offending. 

He added: "You were involved in the matter under the influence of others and your part was limited." 

He sentenced him to a two-year community order, as well as unpaid work. 

The case of Dean Goodwin was adjourned to be heard on August 9 this year.