Golf Thief Caught

Sharp-eyed Nigel Thompson saw his stolen golf clubs being advertised on eBay about five months after they were taken from the golf club by a burglar. 

He alerted police who traced the eBay advert back to a 51-year-old man, Ian Brisland, living in Cheltenham – and officers found pictures of the clubs on his mobile phone.

Brisland, who originally denied the offences, changed his plead to guilty at the last minute to two offences of assisting in the realisation or disposal of stolen goods between and was given a four months jail term suspended for two years and fined £800. He was also ordered to pay £1,200 costs.

Prosecutor Jenny Tallentire said Mr. Thompson locked his £2,500 worth of clubs and other golf equipment in a shed on the Cleeve Hill course and when he returned the next day the padlock had been cut off.

From then on he kept an eye on eBay and five months later recognised his clubs being advertised and informed police, stated the Gloucestershire Echo.

Enquiries with eBay revealed the ad had been placed in the name Robert Hunt. But although the name was false it was registered to Brisland’s address and gave his mobile phone number. The ad was also linked to Brisland’s wife’s PayPal account.

So basically they weren’t that smart! We know the pain of stolen clubs, and the frustration of knowing that your amazing set of top end irons has probably been off loaded for £20. Good spot Nigel Thompson – we salute you.