Trainee Mechanic jailed for Stealing BMW from House

Saif Ahmed, aged 22, of Manningham, Bradford, was jailed for three years for stealing a BMW in a house burglary. The trainee mechanic also attempted to raid another home in broad daylight.

Bradford Crown Court heard he was part of a gang that broke into a home in Bingley in the early hours of October 23, 2020, while a couple and their children were asleep.

Robert Stevenson, prosecuting, said Ahmed was on licence at the time and had been recalled to prison.

The burglars stole a handbag and a black BMW 3 series worth £15,000 from the property.

Five days later, the vehicle was used in an attempted robbery at 1:30 pm on Thorpe Lane in Guiseley.

As the gang tried to smash their way into the home, the male householder heard a loud bang. They carried on attempting to force their way in.

One of the gang members then made a one-finger gesture at the man.

The rear door lock was snapped and the burglars tried to kick their way in.

Mr Stevenson said three suspects were seen outside in face coverings. It was believed that had targeted a Mercedes.

The males fled in the stolen BMW. Police spotted it on Toller Lane on false plates. It was pursued across the city at high speed until it went down a steep embankment on to a cycle path.

The vehicle was abandoned with the engine running. A police drone found the suspects hiding in bushes nearby.

Ahmed pleaded guilty to burglary, theft of the BMW and attempted burglary.

The trainee mechanic has six previous convictions for 13 offences, including house burglary. He was on licence from a 22-month jail sentence for handling stolen goods and dangerous driving.

Andrew Semple, defending, admitted that a prison sentence was inevitable.

Ahmed had been training as a mechanic when he fell into significant cannabis use and ran up a debt. He was then under pressure to repay his dealer.

He had reflected on his offending while on remand under lockdown and wanted to make a fresh start by taking a bricklaying course.

Mr Semple said his client did not make the one-finger gesture to the householder. There was no ransacking of the Bingley house as it was “limited intrusion to get the keys”.

Judge Andrew Hatton said both properties were occupied and one had young children in it. Ahmed was part of a gang and the stolen BMW was used in the second offence.

The Telegraph and Argus reported that Ahmed was jailed for three years.