Gary Maughan sentenced for multiple offences including fraud

Gary Maughan, 33, of Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, June 11, after admitting to a series of offences.

Police said they stopped a grey Ford C-Max being driven by Maughan on Notaro Way, Bridgwater, on Wednesday, March 4 of this year after intelligence reports linked the vehicle to criminality.

Police said checks carried out by officers revealed the vehicle was displaying false registration plates and that additional registration plates were being carried inside the car.

Police said further enquiries established Maughan was driving despite his licence having been medically revoked and that the vehicle was uninsured.

Police said a search of the vehicle also uncovered tools commonly associated with vehicle theft offences, including a trolley jack, reciprocating saw and impact drill.

Items recovered from the vehicle being driven by Maughan. (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

Police said Maughan pleaded guilty to: going equipped for theft, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a motor vehicle without insurance, fraudulently using a registration mark, and possessing an article for use in fraud.

He was given a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles said: "This case demonstrates how roads policing is about far more than enforcing traffic laws.

"The vehicle was stopped proactively based on intelligence, and officers' enquiries uncovered multiple offences, including the use of false registration plates, driving without a valid licence or insurance, and possession of equipment linked to acquisitive crime.

"Criminals often use the road network to facilitate offending and avoid detection. By targeting suspicious vehicles and carrying out proactive checks, Roads Policing officers play a vital role in disrupting criminal activity and protecting our communities."