Prolific offender sentenced for city-wide crime spree
A woman has been sentenced to prison following a series of crimes committed across Milton Keynes. Leigh Ashwell, aged 37, received an eight-month jail sentence at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.
Ashwell pleaded guilty to a total of 18 offences. These included nine counts of vehicle interference, where she attempted to gain access to parked cars. She also admitted to five counts of fraud by false representation, one count of theft from a shop, one count of theft from the person, one count of theft from a motor vehicle, and one count of attempted theft from a motor vehicle.
Crimes spanned multiple areas of Milton Keynes
The criminal activity took place over a period of nearly two months, from June 21 to August 16 this year. The offences occurred in various locations throughout Milton Keynes, including Bletchley, Willen, Tinkers Bridge, Bancroft Park, Wolverton Mill, and Greenleys.
Ashwell’s modus operandi involved targeting parked vehicles. She was observed trying door handles to find unlocked cars. Once inside, she stole wallets, purses, and other personal items. These stolen items were then used to facilitate further crimes.
Following the thefts, Ashwell used stolen bank cards to make fraudulent purchases. These transactions took place at local petrol stations and convenience stores across the city, impacting several businesses.
Fraudulent use of stolen bank cards
One incident on June 20 saw Ashwell steal a wallet from a vehicle. She subsequently used the victim’s bank cards at a BP petrol station on Saxon Street, an Esso in Fenny Stratford, and a Morrisons Daily store located on Queensway.
Later, on June 27, two Amazon parcels were stolen from an address in Tinkers Bridge. This particular theft was recorded on doorbell camera footage, providing evidence for the investigation.
Further incidents occurred on July 6. Ashwell stole bank cards, a driving licence, and a pair of Meta glasses from a Porsche. She then used the stolen cards at a BP garage in Conniburrow. On the same day, she also took a purse and a baby changing bag from a Range Rover. The victim’s bank cards were subsequently used at a Texaco station in Bradwell Common.
Police Staff Investigator Barbara Elekes noted that Ashwell’s actions caused financial loss, inconvenience, and distress to numerous individuals across Milton Keynes. She commended the victims for their support and the public for providing information and footage that aided the investigation.
This story is based on reporting by MKFM. Read the original coverage: MKFM