A WHISTON man has been jailed for more than five years after a police investigation into a 'chop shop' which stored stolen parts and vehicles.

Michael Burton, 29, of Kingsway, Whiston was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to various offences.

Burton admitted to to a handling stolen goods, possession with intent to supply cocaine, dangerous driving and assaulting a constable.

The investigation was launched last November after police received reports of suspected stolen parts and vehicles being stored at the units on Delph Lane, Whiston.

At 9.30am on Tuesday, November 14, officers attended the premises..

While officers were carrying out enquiries, a Mercedes car was seen to make off from the location.

It was stopped nearby and Burton was arrested on Warrington Road on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, assault with intent to resist arrest and careless driving.

He was then charged with handling stolen goods, possession with intent to supply cocaine, dangerous driving and assaulting a constable.

A total of 14 identified stolen vehicles and parts were seized in addition to cocaine from his home address.

St Helens Star:

Burton was jailed for five years and eight months. He was also disqualified from driving for four years.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Sephton said: “This was an excellent result following a comprehensive investigation and an early guilty plea by Burton. If anyone has information on similar locations please come forward and I can assure you that we will act on all information provided.

“Chop shops take and redistribute stolen vehicles and parts, which not only causes distress and inconvenience to those who have vehicles stolen, but also massive dangers if the vehicles are sold on to unsuspecting members of the public.

“Burton was additionally involved in the supply of drugs, which shows that such criminality also funds other serious and organised crime, all of which causes such harm in our communities.”

Anyone with information on vehicle crime or drug supply is asked to call police on 101, or speak to local officers.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555 111 or via their online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.