Appeal over on-the-run burglar (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

David Benyon, of Compton Road, Cheltenham, was sentenced to seven years in prison for his part in a ram raid in Broadway

11:45am Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Ian Craig

AN APPEAL has been made to the public to help track down a convicted burglar who has gone on the run.

David Benyon, 23, of Compton Road, Cheltenham, was sentenced last month to seven years in prison for his part in a ram raid in Broadway in 2009, but has not been seen since July.

He was found guilty of being involved in a ‘ram raid’ at 3am on May 5 2009 in which a stolen Land Rover Discovery was used to gain entry to the Nisa store on Bibsworth Avenue, Broadway, and a cashpoint was stolen from inside.

Although Benyon absconded from the trial on Monday July 23, he was found guilty in his absence on Wednesay July 25 for burglary, theft of a Land Rover, attempted theft of a second Land Rover, robbery and theft of a disc cutter.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison on Monday August 20, and police say they are keen to track him down so he can carry out his sentence.

Police believe he is still in the Gloucestershire or Worcestershire area, especially in Cheltenham or Evesham where he has a number of links. He is described as white, 5ft 9in, of average build and has short, light brown hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Watson of West Mercia Police said he was keen to track Benyon down as soon as possible.

“David Benyon belongs in jail and it is time for him to face justice,” he said.

“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.”

He added anyone who spots Benyon should not approach him, but call police immediately on 999. Anyone with any information about his whereabouts is asked to call West Mercia or Gloucestershire police on 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Also sentenced for the same offence was James Visor, 25, of Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, who admitted conspiracy to burgle and was given four years imprisonment.

Andrew Carl Spence, 49, of no fixed abode, was also given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and 200 hours of unpaid work for encouraging or assisting a theft.