Car thief jailed

Sentenced to two and a half years, Aaron Ainsley.

A prolific car thief has today (Thursday 17 September 2009) been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Aaron Ainsley, 23, from Monsall, pleaded guilty to 12 offences, including one on Edenfield Road, in total ranging from burglary to aggravated taking of a vehicle and dangerous driving.

He was charged with handling stolen goods and dangerous driving in relation to an incident on 7 January when a house on Edenfield Road was broken into while the occupants were asleep and car keys stolen. The victim's Alfa Romeo was then taken from the drive.

Ainsley was seen driving the stolen car the following day in Harpurhey. Ainsley drove off at speed, driving dangerously through the streets, bollards and trees. The car was later found abandoned.

Most of his offences were committed within a three-month period between January and March after a number of other cars were stolen.

Ainsley admitted to his part in the crimes at an earlier hearing.

Detective Inspector Mark Hudson from the Volume Crime Team said: "Ainsley has admitted to his part in a crime spree across Greater Manchester that saw numerous cars stolen between January and March 2009. He is a consistent offender and had no regard for the people who had been stolen from, or the safety of the public when he got into these cars.

"I am pleased he has today been sentenced for his criminality and hope the local community feel reassured that Greater Manchester Police is committed to ensuring people like Ainsley are put where they belong - behind bars."