Gang boss jailed for selling stolen goods on eBay

A man who commanded a gang of thieves and ran a “factory” selling stolen goods on the internet was yesterday jailed for three years.

Michael Kavanagh sold thousands of stolen goods through the auction website eBay.

The 38-year-old ran a gang of drug-addicted shoplifters who would steal from major retail outlets, the court was told.

Kavanagh, from Barnstaple, Devon, would then sell the items, which ranged from computer software and cosmetics to pregnancy kits and smoke alarms, through his accounts on the site.

Devon and Cornwall Police worked with eBay during a covert operation and when they raided Kavanagh’s home in November 2007 they found 5,000 stolen goods being processed for onward sale.

Exeter Crown Court heard Kavanagh, described as the “fulcrum of the operation”, made around £100,000 (€113,000) from the scam.

Kavanagh pleaded guilty to eight offences of converting criminal proceeds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The court heard he used the money to buy cars including a Mustang and a Lincoln stretch limousine, pay off loans and go on exotic holidays.

He was helped by Emma Hewitt, from Fremington, Devon. The 25-year-old was jailed for 12 months after admitting theft and five charges of converting criminal property.