A man arrested at a “chop shop” with a stolen Transit van was later caught attempting to break into another one, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Darren Rayner, who has a long criminal record for similar offences, was today given a chance by the judge and spared an immediate jail sentence.

Rayner, 46, of Reevy Road, Wibsey, Bradford, pleaded guilty to dishonestly handling a works Ford Transit van stolen from outside a house on August 18, 2020.

He also admitted attempting to steal a second Ford Transit parked on Otley Road, Bingley, at midday on October 12 that year.

The court heard that the first van was valued at £6,300 and had works items in it worth up to £3,000.

It was fitted with a steering lock when it was broken into and taken. The van also had a tracking device and it was traced to the “chop shop” at an industrial unit where vehicles were stripped for parts to sell on for profit. The owner of the second van saw Rayner crouching next to it. When challenged, he swung punches at the man before driving off at speed.

A device Rayner was using to break into the vehicle was found at the scene. The court heard he had a long criminal record for very similar offences.

His barrister, Christopher Styles, said that only one item at the “chop shop” – the stolen Ford Transit – could be linked to Rayner who had now stayed out of trouble for 17 months.

Mr Styles said Rayner had stable accommodation and was in a settled relationship. He was looking after his very ill father who depended heavily on him.

Rayner planned to run a café in the Leeds area with his partner and steer well clear of the motor trade in the future.

The “important and sustained period” he had kept out of trouble offered “a glimmer of light” that he had changed his ways, Mr Styles said.

Recorder Judy Dawson said Rayner had spent years removing people’s vehicles to make money for himself.

He only pleaded guilty this time when the evidence against him was such that he could not get out of his criminal conduct.

But she was prepared to give him a chance, especially as his father needed his help. Rayner was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a four-month curfew order.

The court heard that he was unable to do unpaid work because of ongoing health problems.