7:33pm Thursday 3rd May 2007
By Gareth Bethell
A MAN has admitted making thousands of pounds by selling stolen goods on eBay.
Matthew Hobin, 34, of Manson Street, Rodbourne, admitted 30 charges of theft and 15 of money laundering.
His wife Donna, 34, of Chippenham Walk, Penhill, denied one offence of money laundering.
The couple, who are now living at separate addresses, are also accused of claiming £15,000 in false benefits but they gave yet to enter any pleas in relation to those charges.
Swindon Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that Hobin repeatedly targeted three shops in the town between June 2005 and September 2006.
Prosecuting Philomena Creffield said that police believed Hobin had sold 4,539 stolen items on the internet auction website.
Gordon Hotson, defending, said many of the transactions had been items that were not stolen but Hobin is expected to ask for a number of them to be taken into consideration before he is sentenced.
Ms Creffield said Hobin stole from Hinders Fishing Superstore and In Tents, both in Cheney Manor and Asda Wal-Mart in North Swindon, pictured.
The items he sold online included fishing tackle and camping equipment, as well as books and DVDs.
"The items were stored at home and sold via eBay using an account owned by Donna Hobin," Ms Creffield said. She said he had made more than £16,000 by selling items on eBay.
"Mr Hobin was interviewed about his actions and it's a fairly sophisticated form of theft that has been undertaken," Ms Creffield said.
"Mr Hobin initially agreed to have the remaining several thousands taken into account but that position has now changed."
Mr Hotson said: "There are a number of items contained on that list that were never stolen in the first place and some are on the list a number of times.
"That needs clarification. We have been trying to work through the list to see which ones are legitimate to be taken into consideration.
"There will in due course be a schedule agreed."
District Judge Michael Champion said Hobin would be sentenced at Crown Court where the powers of punishment are more severe.
The pair were released on unconditional bail and are due back in Swindon Magistrates' court on June 28 when the case will be committed to the Crown Court.
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