Sold stolen car parts on eBay

Ross Davis, Breagh Lodge, Portadown, admitted that between January 1, 2014, and

April 9, 2015, he stole various automotive parts, including sat-navs and keys, belonging to Isaac Agnew Mercedes-Benz.

The court heard that on June 20 last year police were told by the dealership that two members of staff had been dismissed following the theft of a number of devices.

They were sold on eBay and the sales were uncovered by an independent investigations company which trawls eBay.

At least eight of the sat-navs, valued at £270 each, were missing.

When interviewed, Davis admitted taking eight devices over a period of a year and got around £200 for each one. He said that once he got away with one he continued.

Davis also took items from a skip at the dealership and sold them on eBay as well.

The case had been adjourned from a previous court for a pre-sentence report.

Mr Joe McDonald, representing Davis, said his client had got another job so was in a

position to make restitution. He had a completely clear record.

He explained that his client had been off sick for long periods of time and got into financial hardship. He was under a lot of pressure at the time.

His parents would say this was completely out of character, added Mr McDonald.

District Judge Oonagh Mallon said this was a ‘complete breach of trust’ by Davis over a protracted period of time and was not just a one-off incident.

“It was calculated and deceptive,” she added.

She sentenced Davis to seven months in prison but suspended the term for three years. The judge also ordered him to pay restitution of £1,600 to the dealership.

Davis said he could pay £500 straightaway and agreed to pay the rest in instalments of £75 per month.