A burglar who took selfies with stolen Mercedes keys has been sentenced to prison. The incident occurred when the individual, identified as Matthew Hughes, and his accomplice, Lee Foulkes, broke into a residence in Disley, Cheshire. They fled the scene in two luxury vehicles valued at nearly £100,000.
The burglary took place on the evening of September 15, 2023. Hughes and Foulkes targeted the home, successfully stealing the keys to two high-end cars parked outside. Following the break-in, the duo posed for photographs with the keys, displaying their stolen loot with smirking expressions. These selfies ultimately played a crucial role in the investigation led by Cheshire Police.
Upon reviewing the images shared on social media, law enforcement officials identified the suspects and initiated an operation to apprehend them. The police reported that the selfies were pivotal in providing evidence of the theft and linking the two men to the crime.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that both Hughes and Foulkes had previous convictions for similar offenses. Their latest actions drew harsh criticism from the presiding judge, who described them as “brazen” and lacking any regard for others’ property. The judge sentenced Hughes and Foulkes to 24 months in prison, emphasizing the need for deterrence against such criminal behavior.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the men to pay restitution for the stolen vehicles. The judge highlighted that such crimes not only impact the victims directly but also contribute to the broader issue of vehicle theft in the community.
The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal activity. With the help of modern technology and social media, law enforcement agencies are increasingly able to solve crimes more efficiently. The Cheshire Police have encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods.
As the legal repercussions unfold, the incident underscores the importance of community cooperation in preventing crime and ensuring public safety.
