A GANG member who unloaded a stolen lorry and stored some of the goods at his home has been jailed for 20 months.

David Kelly was yesterday jailed at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for his part in a conspiracy to steal a lorry containing £300,000 worth of razors and electrical items in February 2009.

Prosecutor Tim Harrington said the lorry was driven out of James Irlam Logistics depot at Hanchurch just before 6pm on February 16.

It was driven by Matthew Jones, who worked for the haulage company, while his brother, Daniel Jones, who was employed in a senior role at the firm, distracted the security guard.

Mr Harrington said the trailer was relieved of its load at a yard in Fenton. The lorry was later recovered from a lay-by on the A50.

Kelly was linked to the theft through forensic evidence. Mr Harrington said the thieves cut the buckles on the trailer and a swab of blood matched Kelly's DNA. His blood was also found on boxes.

Kelly's home, in North Road, Stoke, was searched on February 24, and officers found 56 boxes containing electric toothbrushes. They were confirmed to be from the stolen load. And telephone evidence showed Kelly was in contact with Matthew Jones before and after the theft.

Kelly was arrested and answered no comment to all questions in his police interview. He was bailed, but fled to Spain.

But he was traced and extradited last September.

Kelly, aged 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal.

The court was told Daniel Jones, aged 31, of Birch Valley Road, Kidsgrove, was sentenced to three years and four months; Matthew Jones, of Station Avenue, Whitby, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to the conspiracy.

Keith Wilks, aged 49, of Harrington Court, Weston Coyney, denied the offence, but was found guilty by a jury and jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Stuart Muldoon, mitigating, said at the time of the offence Kelly was in personal turmoil.

He left to go to Tenerife where he has found work and has settled accommodation.

"He wants to go back to Tenerife, marry his partner, put this behind him and move on with his life," added Mr Muldoon.

Judge Paul Glenn said the other defendants were higher up the chain than Kelly.

He told Kelly: "You conspired with others to commit a high value professional theft.

"Your blood was found on buckle straps and on a box moved from the trailer. And property was found at your address and your phone was connected to others involved in the conspiracy.

"You unloaded the lorry and you subsequently stored stolen property, providing a safe haven while buyers were found. You weren't a planner or organiser.

"Once the lorry had been stolen, property needed to be swiftly removed from it and safely stored and you took an active part in those actions."

Kelly will serve up to half the sentence, and 120 days on remand will count.