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A prolific criminal responsible for a string of offences across Hertfordshire has been jailed for two and a half years, following sentencing at St Albans Crown Court.
Paul Hayward, 46, of Stanley Gardens, Borehamwood, was convicted after pleading guilty to a series of crimes including burglaries, theft, aggravated vehicle taking, and dangerous driving. His offences were committed across Borehamwood, Rickmansworth, and Stevenage between February and April 2025.
Offences included:
- Aggravated vehicle taking involving a BMW on Dales Road, Borehamwood (18 March)
- Theft of the same BMW and a PlayStation console from the same address (18 March)
- Burglaries at Co-op stores in Carpenders Park (16 March) and Rickmansworth (17 March), both involving the theft of large quantities of cigarettes
- Battery on a member of staff at Boots, Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage (20 February)
- Dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and possession of cannabis in Edgware (17 April 2024)
In addition to the custodial sentence handed down on Wednesday 9 July, Hayward was disqualified from driving for 39 months.
While he was previously charged with attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon (knuckle duster), the court ordered these charges to lie on file, meaning they remain available for prosecution should Hayward reoffend.
Co-defendant sentenced
Liam Lincoln, 22, of Hartforde Road, Borehamwood, received a suspended sentence for his role. He admitted to:
- The same two Co-op burglaries
- Theft on Dales Road, Borehamwood
He was sentenced to 8 months suspended for 18 months, along with conditions to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work.
“A flagrant disregard for the law”
Investigator Chloe Harding, from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit, said:
“Hayward has shown a flagrant disregard for the law, which is plain to see when looking at the list of offences he was charged with. We are pleased to have achieved a custodial sentence and hope that his victims can now begin to move forward with their lives.”
Public Appeal
Anyone with information about criminal activity can contact police online at herts.police.uk/report, via the live web chat, or by calling 101.
To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or use their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
