Hemel Hempstead: Third man jailed for vehicle crime

Thomas Kiely - from Welshpool in Powys, Wales - was sentenced to 19 months imprisonment at Chester Crown Court on Friday, October 13.

His sentencing follows that of Barney and Jordan Joice, aged 21 and 23 respectively, who were given 35-month and 19-month terms at St Albans Crown Court in July.

A custody image of Thomas Kiely. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

All three individuals pleaded guilty following a number of incidents on the evening of Wednesday, April 5.

After the thefts had taken place, details of he offenders' vehicle were circulated, leading to it being spotted by officers.

After being seen, the offenders  attempted a get-away on the wrong side of the carriageway at speeds exceeding 70mph in a 30mph zone.

As the vehicle was brought to "a tactical stop by police", its occupants fled and were arrested a short time later.

A custody image of Jordan Joyce. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Several catalytic convertors and a number of power tools were discovered inside the vehicle.

Following an investigation, Barney Joyce pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal (catalytic convertors), theft from motor vehicle and dangerous driving. Along with his jail sentence, he was banned from driving for 26 months and is required to take an extended re-test.

Jordan Joyce pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal (catalytic convertors) and theft from motor vehicle.

Thomas Kiely pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal (catalytic convertors) and theft from motor vehicle.

Investigator Deborah Newsham said: "These men have no links to Hertfordshire and deliberately entered the county with the intention of committing crime.

"They caused misery to many residents across Dacorum and put innocent motorists in danger as they tried to evade police.

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“I’m really pleased with the sentences handed down and I hope this reassures people that we will do everything we can to bring offenders before the courts.”

Crimes can be reported online at www.herts.police.uk/ro/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101.

A custody image of Barney Joyce. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Hertfordshire police's web chat function can be used by visiting herts.police.uk/contact.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.