TWO men who stole a forklift truck and caused more than �10,000 worth of damage at a Fenland farm have been jailed.

Wayne Daniel, 26, of Commons Road, Whittlesey, and Louis Walker, 20, of Mallory Drive, Yaxley, were both locked up for causing the damage at Sloates Farm during a bungled burglary on February 2.

The pair, along with an 18-year-old man, broke into the site in Yaxley Fen before stealing a JCB Fasttrack 2140 and smashing it through the door of a workshop.

The offenders used a JCB forklift to move equipment around the workshop before cutting open a tool box and trying to cut a hole in another wall. Two John Deere tractors were also damaged.

The trio were disturbed and tried to escape but were tracked by the police helicopter and arrested in a nearby field at about 11.30pm.

Walker and Daniels both pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Walker was jailed for 21 months and Daniels sentenced to 18 months at Luton Crown Court last week.

The 18-year-old was sentenced to 12 months, suspended for two years, after admitting criminal damage and theft. He was given a two-month curfew order and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Sergeant Keren Pope said: “These three were completely reckless in their actions and didn’t give a second thought to how much damage they were causing.

“These offences caused great inconvenience to the victim and we’re glad they have now been brought to justice.”