Couple '˜not guilty' over Milton Keynes ambulance theft

The case against Jim and Sue Farrell collapsed last week, before a Luton Crown Court jury even heard their defence.

Police and the CPS agreed to offer no more evidence after Judge Michael Kay questioned the prosecution case.

NowBedfordshire police professional standards department is investigating a complaint about how two police officers handled the case.

Paramedic Jim Farrell worked full-time for East of England Ambulance Service while Sue ran Thames Valley Ambulance and Paramedic Service.

A private business based in Fenny Stratford, it hired out ambulances and medics to private functions.

On March 31 last year Beds police raided the Watling Street premises, accompanied by one of Sue’s former employees Mark Wells-Pestell, the court head.

Jim 46, was charged with stealing a thermometer, a defibrillator, a neck brace and a wheelchair from the NHS. Sue, also 46, was charged with handling the stolen items.

The Farrells, who claim they were framed, provided evidence that basic ambulance stock items are often treated as communal anyway.

“We’ve been treated as criminals over nothing and we’ve been through hell and back. I have been suicidal with worry,” said Jim, who was suspended by his employers.