Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Rural Crime Taskforce, a man has been sentenced for multiple offences.

Martin Fitzgerald, aged 60, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to a year in prison following a hearing at Reading Crown Court yesterday October 21.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months and was fined £477.00.

Fitzgerald previously pleaded guilty in a hearing at the same court on October 14 to one count each of receiving stolen goods, obstructing a constable, fraudulent use of vehicle licence plates, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and no insurance.

On June 23 last year, at around 8 pm, Fitzgerald crashed a vehicle towing a stolen caravan on the M4 at Membury Services.

The vehicle Fitzgerald was driving had false plates and he provided false details to officers at the scene.

The caravan was identified by our Rural Crime Taskforce as stolen from Wiltshire.

Fitzgerald was arrested the same day and was charged on May 10 this year.

Investigating officer PC Ryan Dollery, of the Rural Crime Taskforce, said: “I am pleased with this court result, with Fitzgerald being sentenced to prison.

“The Rural Crime Taskforce works tirelessly to identify stolen caravans.

“We will endeavour to charge and convict individuals involved in the theft and handling of caravans.”