Police hunt missing man

Buy photos » Police are hunting David Benyon. (s)

POLICE are appealing for the public's help in tracing a wanted man with close connections to Evesham who failed to appear in court when he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

David Benyon, aged 23 of Compton Rd, Cheltenham, was sentenced two weeks ago today (Monday 20 August) for conspiracy to burgle at Worcester Crown Court.

It related to a ‘ram raid' in Broadway at 3am on May 5, 2009 when a stolen Land Rover Discovery was used to gain entry to the Nisa store in Bibsworth Avenue and the cashpoint machine inside was stolen.

Benyon absconded on July 23 during his trial and was found guilty on July 25 in his absence. His conviction included burglary, a theft of a Land Rover, a further attempted theft of a second Land Rover, robbery and the theft of a disc cutter.

Detectives believe that he is still in the local area, in particular Evesham and Cheltenham, where he has strong links. Benyon is white, 5ft 9ins tall, of average build and has short, light brown hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Watson of West Mercia Police said: "David Benyon belongs in jail and it is time for him to face justice.

"In his greed to take cash from the Nisa ATM, he caused severe structural damage to the shop, totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds, after he stole a local resident's 4x4, writing it off in the raid.

"We are also concerned that while he is at large he may be committing further crimes, so we need to arrest him as soon as possible.

"Officers have been actively pursuing a number of leads on Benyon's whereabouts, so far without success, and we are asking for the public's help in locating him.

"If anyone has information about where Benyon is, please contact either West Mercia Police or Gloucestershire Constabulary on the non-emergency police number 101.

"If you spot Benyon, please do not attempt to confront him but call the police immediately on 999."

Information can also be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sentenced with Benyon on 10 August for the same offence was James Visor, aged 24 of Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle and was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Andrew Carl Spence, aged 49 of no fixed abode, was convicted for encouraging or assisting an offence of theft and was given a sentence of nine months suspended for two years and 200 hours community work.

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