Peter Elmes, 41, bought computers directly from burglars and thieves

A Kilburn man who bought stolen laptops of burglars to sell online to unsuspecting customers has received a suspended jail sentence.

Peter Elmes, 41, of Kilburn High Road, wiped the computers of their hard drives before flogging them on online marketplace Ebay.

Using his Ebay records detectives were able to ascertain that from October 2009 until his arrest in November last year he sold a total of 11 laptops.

When police raided his home they recovered two further stolen laptop computers and a stolen Iphone.

Elmes claimed to be a legitimate business man but kept no paperwork and paid no tax.

Last week at Harrow Crown Court he admitted converting criminal property and was sentenced to 10 months in jail which was suspended for two years, a two year supervision order and 100 hours community services.

Detective Constable Ryan, who led the investigation, said: “Peter Elmes was a significant feeder for burglars and thieves operating pan London.

“I am in no doubt that Elmes strongly contributed to the suffering of the London communities at the hands of burglars.

“Those who knowingly receiving stolen goods are as criminally responsible as those who actually violate people’s homes and steal property.

“Brent Crime Squad will continue to enthusiastically pursue these criminals via covert operations”.