Car-theft gang jailed

EIGHT GANG members who stole dozens of top-of-the-range cars, and then filmed themselves performing driving stunts, were jailed yesterday.

Judge Bruce Coles told them they had an "premeditated and outrageous disregard of the law" which had resulted in anarchy in parts of Birmingham. He said the gang - all aged between 18 and 30, and known as the Acocks Green Posse - had terrorised the victims of their crimes with violence before parading the stolen cars in front of friends. Police said the gang's activities involved more than pounds 800,000-worth of cars, including Porsches and BMWs.

Sentencing the eight at Coventry Crown Court, the judge said they had "clearly relished" their "blatant and brazen" criminal activities, and he imposed jail terms of between 20 months and four years.