A Weston-super-Mare man has been spared jail after he admitted stealing tradesmen’s means of earning a living.
Matthew Rickwood, aged 33 of Brue Close, pleaded guilty to stealing power tools in North Somerset, and was handed a 58-week suspended jail sentence at North Somerset Courthouse on January 29.
Rickwood, who was arrested on January 7, admitted two counts of theft from motor vehicles and eight counts of handling stolen property, and was ordered to pay £4,600 compensation.
An Avon and Somerset Constabulary invited tradesmen to visit the police station to reclaim stolen tools earlier this month.
A spokesman said: “Ten victims have been identified and more than 30 items have been returned. We are continuing to find owners of the remaining tools.
“A 25-year-old woman, who was also arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, as part of the same police investigation remains released under investigation.”
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