A PAIR of thieves have today been found guilty of stealing nearly �4m worth of designer jewellery.

A PAIR of thieves have today been found guilty of stealing nearly �4m worth of designer jewellery.

Essex Police said the decision marked the end of an investigation that began in May 2001 when the men stole around 2,000 items of Cartier jewellery.

The trial of unemployed 34-year-old, Joseph Xenofondos, and 43-year-old nurse, Gary Maughan, ended at Basildon Crown Court when the jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges relating to the theft, which happened on Monday, May 21, 2001 at Southend Airport.

Xenofondos, from Loughton Way, Loughton, was charged with one count of conspiracy to steal and sentenced to five years in prison.

Maughan, of Queensbridge Road, Hackney, was charged with one count of conspiracy to steal and one count of handling stolen goods and was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

A third man, Tom Baisden, 27, from south Essex, had already pleaded guilty to one count of theft, one count of conspiracy to steal and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Senior Investigating Officer, Det Supt Tracy Hawkings, said: “During the 18-month investigation, we examined the financial aspects of this case and conducted numerous, protracted enquiries which traced Cartier goods that were discovered as far away as Asia.

“The main witness in this case, Tom Baisden, joined the Fifteen Foundation which is a charity founded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. It helps disadvantaged young people to turn their lives around and, in some cases, leave a life of crime.

“It was this experience that encouraged Tom Baisden to come forward and confess his involvement.”