September 1, 2017 4.17 pm This story is over 78 months old

Gainsborough men jailed after burgling Lincolnshire farms

Behind bars.
Brett Russell, 23, (left) and Sean Kelly Smith, 32, (right) have been sentenced. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Three burglars have been sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court after targeting farms across Lincolnshire.

Brett Russell, 23, of Theaker Avenue, Gainsborough was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and Sean Kelly Smith, 32, of Noel Street, Gainsborough has been sentenced to 22 months.

A 17-year-old man was referred to a Youth Offending team.

The three offenders pleased guilts to two counts of burglary relating to farms in Skidbrooke, Louth and on Lincoln Road, Faldingworth.

Officers received a report that a farm in Faldingworth had been burgled on January 24 and two days later another burglary was reported on a farm in Skidbrooke.

Saddles and tack were stolen from both of the farms.

After receiving intelligence on a vehicle suspected to be involved in the burglaries, officers then located a transit van in Nettleham, pulling the van over and arresting the offenders at the scene.

Detective Constable Richard Gray, Lincoln CID, said: “A single vehicle stop in rural Lincolnshire led to the successful prosecution of three offenders for two burglaries and the recovery of stolen equestrian equipment.

“These offenders broke into the farms after the owners had gone out and stole equipment belonging to a number of horse owners.

“These offences had a devastating impact on those involved, and one livery yard has unfortunately had to close down as a result.

“We welcome these sentences, and hope that the victims are able to move on from this ordeal.

“This is a prime example of the proactive policing we conduct, and I would like to thank the hard work put into the investigation from all the various departments within the force.

“I would also like to remind Lincolnshire residents to remain vigilant, especially those in rural or remote areas, and report any suspicious activity to police.”