Dad tried to sell hot BMW engine

The engine from a luxury car stolen in Oldham was advertised on the internet four months later.

The engine, from a BMW 1-Series car taken from Moorside in January 2011, was posted on eBay for upwards of £1,000 by 35-year-old James Hawley, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Undercover officers began making inquiries at work units in Groby Street, Oldham after a tip-off. Three men working there said they knew nothing about the engine, but one made phone calls and minutes later father-of-three Hawley turned up, thinking the officers were potential buyers. he showed them the engine. Four other stolen engines and other body parts, were also found at the unit.

Hawley, of Granite Street, Derker, denied knowing the engine had been stolen. he said he believed it had come from a salvage car.

Saul Brody defending, said his client, a “devoted family man” hadn’t been involved in the theft of the car, and hadn’t known the goods wwere stolen. No other parts from the 58-plate BMW have been recovered.

Hawley who pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, was sentenced to a 12 month community order and ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.


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