Leader of eBay gang jailed

The leader of a gang of drug-addicted shoplifters who sold stolen goods on the internet auction site eBay was jailed yesterday for three years.

Michael Kavanagh, 38, sold thousands of goods from major West Country shops making £100,000 from the scam, Exeter Crown Court was told. Kavanagh, from Barnstaple, Devon, spent the money on cars and holidays.

Devon and Cornwall Police worked with eBay during a covert operation which also caught Emma Hewitt, 25, from Fremington, Wayne Rogerson, 28, from South Molton and Richard Harrison, 38, from Barnstaple, all jailed for 12 months, and Melissa Barker, 35, from Barnstaple, who was given a suspended sentence.