Essex, UK – A gang responsible for stealing £1 million worth of BT Openreach network cable has been jailed for a combined total of 14 years, following a thorough investigation by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit. The group, led by Billy Lee Junior, Levi Lee, Samuel Sheady-Jones, and Ashley Byford, carried out a series of cable thefts across rural locations in Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Wrexham.
The gang targeted valuable cabling and plant materials used by BT Openreach, often in remote areas. Operating 4×4 vehicles with false registration plates, the thieves would cut into manhole covers, drag out miles of underground cable, and winch it into their vehicles. This criminal operation led to major disruptions in service, leaving thousands of customers – both homes and businesses – without access to essential services.
The thefts caused a loss to BT and its clients of over £750,000, with the full financial impact still unknown due to widespread service outages.
The police’s breakthrough came when a 4×4 vehicle was discovered in a field in Earith, Cambridgeshire, during a theft. Evidence of stolen cable was found around the vehicle, which led to the identification of Billy Lee, aged 24, from Chivers Road, Stondon Massey, Essex. This discovery triggered a detailed investigation by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, which uncovered 31 criminal offences committed by the group over a nine-month period.
The investigation revealed that the gang had been operating a sophisticated scheme that spanned several counties. Through extensive forensic analysis and witness statements, officers identified the other members of the group: Levi Lee, 22, of Stondon Massey; Samuel Sheady-Jones, 23, of Cefn Mawr, Wrexham; and Ashley Byford, 26, of Thames Avenue, Chelmsford.
In September 2022, officers executed warrants at several properties linked to the gang. During the raid at Billy Lee Junior’s home, police discovered £40,000 in cash, hidden in a bag, and an additional £10,000 in another caravan. A further £4,000 was found stashed in nearby dog kennels. Officers also uncovered a winch, wire cutters, a Mitsubishi Shogun 4×4, and a Makita drill, the handle of which was found to match the DNA of Ashley Byford, who was subsequently arrested.
The gang was due to stand trial in September 2023 but instead opted to plead guilty to conspiracy to steal.
On October 25, 2023, at Chelmsford Crown Court, the following sentences were handed down:
- Billy Lee Junior: 4 years and 8 months in prison
- Levi Lee: 4 years and 5 months in prison
- Samuel Sheady-Jones: 3 years and 7 months in prison
- Ashley Byford: 16 months in prison for conspiracy to steal
The thefts not only impacted BT but also caused considerable disruption for thousands of customers who were left without services for extended periods.
