Police hunt convicted ram-raider (From Evesham Journal)

Police hunt convicted ram-raider

2:00pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a wanted man who failed to appear in court when he was sentenced for a ram-raid in Broadway.

David Benyon, aged 23 of Compton Road, Cheltenham, was jailed in his absence for seven years on August 20 at Worcester Crown Court for conspiracy to burgle.

It related to a ram-raid in Broadway at 3am on May 5, 2009, when a stolen Land Rover Discovery was used to gain entry to the Nisa store in Bibsworth Avenue and the cashpoint machine inside was stolen. Benyon absconded on July 23 during his trial and was found guilty on July 25 in his absence. His conviction included burglary, theft of the Land Rover, an attempted theft of a second Land Rover, robbery and the theft of a disc cutter.

Detectives believe that he is still in the local area, possibly in Evesham or Cheltenham, where he has strong links. Benyon is white, 5ft 9ins tall, of average build and has short, light brown hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Watson said: “David Benyon belongs in jail and it is time for him to face justice.

“In his greed to take cash from the Nisa ATM, he caused severe structural damage to the shop, totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds, after he stole a 4x4, writing it off in the raid.

“We are also concerned that while he is at large he may be committing further crimes, so we need to arrest him as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call West Mercia Police or Gloucestershire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.