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Hogwarts Express metal thief is jailed
A metal thief who stole from the Lancashire home of Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express train has been jailed for a year.
Neal Currie, aged 37, and three accomplices targeted the Steamtown depot near Carnforth where the famous locomotive is housed.
The four men all pleaded guilty to offences at the depot and appeared at Lancaster Crown Court for sentence on Monday.
The court heard how on November 9, 2007, Neal Currie, Leon Currie, 30, and Daniel Lee James Brodie, 20, travelled to Steamtown and were seen to pick up several bags and coiled cable from the boundary fence.
They put the items into the boot of a Citroen Xantia before driving off at high speed.
DNA evidence placed Leon Currie and Brodie at the scene while further investigation revealed the Xantia belonged to Neal Currie's ex-wife.
In the early hours of April 9 two people were seen moving sacks from the depot to a set of gates near the entrance.
Neal Currie and Carl Hoole were spotted trying to load the sacks into the back of a green Rover. A member of staff tried to close the gates to prevent the car leaving the depot.
Hoole, 38, attempted to get out of the car to open the gates, but the driver drove straight for them – knocking Hoole over – before speeding away.
DC Michael Millward, investigating officer for British Transport Police (BTP), said: "Cable and metal theft is one of the biggest issues facing BTP and the railway industry.
"In this case the group entered the depot and not only ripped wire and components from locomotives, they also caused serious damage to the trains they targeted.
"Sadly criminals see the theft of copper wire and metal components as a way to make easy money – and many view this as a victimless crime.
"Cable theft in particular costs the railway industry tens of thousands of pounds each year and can cause lengthy delays."
Neal Currie, formerly of Denny Avenue, Lancaster, Brodie, of Hindburn Place, Lancaster, and Leon Currie, of Stanley Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, were found guilty of the theft of 12,000 of copper cable.
Carl Hoole, of Ryelands Road, Lancaster, was found guilty of handling stolen goods with Neal Currie in April.
Brodie was sentenced to 140 hours community service.
Neal Currie was sentenced to six months consecutive imprisonment for each offence.
Leon Currie was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
Carl Hoole was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also handed a six-month, 9pm-6am, curfew order.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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