Bungling raiders brainless says... their brief

TWO Oldham thieves were called “brainless” by their own solicitor over their bungled attempt to steal a consignment of chainsaws.

Danny Cawley (24) and Aden Simpson (20) lost control of their getaway vehicle and smashed into a lorry after stealing Stihl chainsaws worth £6,000 from Huddersfield Saw & Tool Company.

Cawley was found by police in a skip - while Simpson was seen trying to hide behind a car, Kirklees magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Alex Bozman said the men raided the store on April 19, carrying away their haul in a white van that had already been captured on the company’s CCTV.

The footage showed men breaking into the premises and an unknown man deactivating the alarm.

Simpson, of Warcock Road, Oldham helped the unknown thief to take the saws while Cawley, of Furness Avenue, stood outside on lookout.

Five minutes later, police saw the van being driving erratically on Leeds Road. It turned off and crashed into a lorry and the occupants ran off. The driver has never been found.

At the time Cawley, magistrates heard, was subject to a suspended 18-week prison sentence for burglary.

Tim Hughes, mitigating, said: “It’s fair to say they’re both bearers of little brains. The main man has not been caught. They both bitterly regret what they’ve done.”

Magistrates adjourned for sentencing reports.