Five men are scheduled to stand trial next year, accused of being involved in the theft of 32 vehicles across the Midlands, Wales, and southern England. The offences reportedly occurred over an eight-month period, spanning from September last year to May this year, and took place within the jurisdictions of West Mercia, Gloucestershire, Dyfed Powys, Sussex, Avon & Somerset, and Devon & Cornwall police forces.
According to West Mercia Police, the men have been charged with conspiracy to commit vehicle theft. Leonard Hodgkins, 49, from Malvern; Ryan Hodgkins, 28, from Welland, Malvern; and Jimmy Butler, 41, from Worcester, all face conspiracy charges. Simon Holmes, 61, and Benjamin Hobbs, 35, both from Bristol, are also charged with the same offence.
All five defendants appeared at Hereford Crown Court on Monday, December 8, where they each entered not guilty pleas. A sixth individual, David Hodgkins, 40, of The Furlong, Powick, also appeared on the same day. He pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
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Leonard Hodgkins was remanded to prison following the court hearing, while the remaining four defendants were granted bail. The trial is scheduled to begin at Hereford Crown Court on Monday, April 13, 2026.