Magistrates sentence man who stole flatbed trailer from village property
A 47-year-old man has been sentenced after admitting breaking into a Gaddesby property and stealing a flatbed trailer, trees and shrubs.
Following an investigation by the Leicestershire Police, Rural Policing Team, Brian Smith, of Braithwell Walk, Doncaster, was identified and charged with theft.
He pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates Court, on October 29, and was handed a 12-month Community Order and told to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
JPs also ordered Smith to pay £2,666 compensation to the victim, made up of a £1,000 lump sum and monthly payments of £100.
The rural policing team posted on their Facebook page: “On October 1, 2026, he was involved in forcing entry to the location on Rearsby Lane, Gaddesby, causing damage to facilitate his entry before stealing a flatbed trailer and a number of trees and shrubs, causing significant disruption and loss to the business, as well and enhancing the fear of crime within the rural community.
“The court also confirmed that Smith's guilty plea was taken into account when sentencing, resulting in a reduction from what would otherwise have been a custodial sentence."
Rural police officers are committed to dealing with crimes in the countryside and they often rely on support from residents and businesses.
The rural team added on their post: “Rural crime can have a significant impact on local businesses and communities.
"We remain committed to pursuing offenders and bringing them before the courts.”
Anyone with information about rural crime or suspicious activity, can report it via 101 or online via the Leicestershire Police website.