Matthew Watkins of Ringwood and Gary Kelly of Bransgore part of gang which stole more than £2m worth of vehicles, court hears
TWO New Forest men who were part of a gang which stole more than £2 million worth of cars have appeared in court.
Matthew Watkins (24), of Manor Road in Ringwood, and Gary Kelly (38), of Ringwood Road in Bransgore, were part of a gang of 12 men and women who stole 107 high-end vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire between February and October 2023.
Both had “significant” roles in the gang, with Watkins trying to escape police during a 100mph motorway pursuit, and Kelly operating a vehicle ‘chop shop’ on land he leased.
Southampton Crown Court heard the “highly sophisticated commercial operation carried out by an organised crime group” saw vehicles taken from driveways in the middle of the night while the owners were asleep. Some were stolen to order from a ‘wish list’ of vehicles and included Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi and Mercedes, as well as Ford vans.
The gang used signal boosters to trick keyless ignition vehicles into unlocking.
They also used signal jammers to prevent vehicles from being locked, with the owner not realising their key fob had not worked. Gang members would then return in the middle of the night to drive away the unlocked cars.
Prosecutor Gemma White told the court Watkins worked in a the gang as a driver and lookout. He was responsible for three thefts, between 1st and 28th May 2023.
In an attempt to escape police while driving a stolen Range Rover Sport on the M25 around 6pm on 28th May 2023, Mrs White said Watkins drove at speeds of over 100mph for over 12 minutes. As he sought to escape, he drove through a “highly populated and busy” high street.
He narrowly missed two pedestrians and crashed into two stationary vehicles, she added, before the vehicle was stopped by police. He then fled from officers.
He pleaded guilty on a previous occasion to conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle and conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Kelly was involved in the theft of eight vehicles between 9th July and 9th October 2023. The court heard after one of the scheme’s main ringleaders, George Berry (32) of Bronte Way in Southampton, was arrested, the pair were in “regular contact” about the operation.
She said in calls obtained from HMP Winchester, the pair discussed using Kelly’s recovery vehicle as well as the use of land leased by him, which was used to operate a chop-shop, where stolen cars were broken down and sold.
Kelly previously pleaded guilty to three counts of handling stolen goods and one of conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
While five members of the gang were sentenced last Thursday, Watkins and Kelly were bailed for sentencing on 21st November.
George Berry (32) of Bronte Way in Southampton, who was charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property, was jailed for 56 months.
Benjamin Cross (25) of Newman Road in Bursledon, who was charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice received a 64-month term.
Bradley Paddick (22), of Montague Avenue in Southampton, who was charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to handle stolen goods. He was handed a sentence of 36-month term.
Berry’s partner, Rachael Moran (31) of the same address, was charged with possession of criminal property. She was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Cross’ partner Charlotte Traves (24), also of Bursledon, was charged with possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice. She was handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.
The other defendants in the case are:
• Frank Bran (23) of International Way, Southampton
• Brandon Cross (26) of Bursledon Road in Southampton
• Jason Downs (21) of Walton Place in Winchester
• William Martin (24) of Corfe Lodge Road in Broadstone, Dorset
• Billy Masters (24) of Bramley Crescent in Southampton