Family gang of thieves jailed

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Some of Britain’s wealthiest homeowners which were targeted by a notorious family of thieves have seen justice served with the five gang members being jailed for up to 11 years each for their crimes.

Insurers were faced with massive home insurance claims totalling tens of millions of pounds following the year-long spree by members of the infamous Johnson family of Travellers.

The five-strong gang stole antiques from stately homes across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Worcestershire between April 2005 and October 2006.

The total value of the stolen property is estimated to be as much £80 million.

Richard "Chad" Johnson, 33, and Daniel O'Loughlin, 32, were both jailed for 11 years; Michael Nicholls, 29, was given 10 years; Albi Johnson, 25, was jailed for nine years and 54-year-old Ricky Johnson was given eight years.

Passing sentence at Reading Crown Court, Judge Christopher Critchlow said that little of the property had been recovered. “It is no doubt well hidden in the countryside or passed on for disposal,” he added.

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