**Man in NHS Uniform Jailed for Deceptive Motorcycle Robbery**
A man who donned an NHS uniform to cultivate an appearance of trustworthiness has been jailed following a brazen robbery of a £7,000 motorbike in Warrington. Anthony Price, aged 38, from Speke, orchestrated an elaborate ruse, claiming to be a hospital worker to deceive the seller, before making off with the valuable vehicle after a violent confrontation.
The incident came to light at Liverpool Crown Court, where prosecutors outlined how Price contacted Simon Trafford in early March 2025 after spotting a Kawasaki X500 advertised for sale online. Utilising a fabricated identity under the name ‘David,’ Price presented himself as an interested buyer and managed to convince Mr Trafford to meet him at Rushton Close, an address the defendant falsely claimed as his own.
Upon arrival, Mr Trafford proceeded to remove the motorbike from his van and, in a gesture typical of such private sales, began demonstrating its features. Unexpectedly, Price launched a rapid assault, shoving Mr Trafford aside and fleeing the scene with the motorbike in tow. Despite swift inquiries by the authorities, the vehicle remains unrecovered.
Key to Price’s ability to maintain the ruse was his calculated use of disguise and deception. The court heard how he dressed in NHS attire to reinforce the impression that he was a reliable health worker. Evidence showed that he communicated exclusively with Mr Trafford via a dedicated ‘pay as you go’ mobile, which was purchased on the day he first made contact and topped up at a nearby store. Digital forensic analysis later placed the phone in proximity to Price’s own device and his Mercedes Sprinter van at the time and location of the theft.
During subsequent police investigations, and after Price’s arrest in April, he claimed that his GPS tag—worn as part of his licence conditions following a previous sentence—would exonerate him, suggesting he was elsewhere during the robbery. However, the victim later confidently identified Price during an identity parade.
Further details from the hearing revealed Price’s longstanding struggle with the law. His criminal record now stands at 23 convictions for a total of 62 offences stretching back to 2002. Notably, past convictions include aggravated vehicle taking and a strikingly similar robbery committed two decades ago, where as a teenager he pushed another motorist off a moped before stealing the vehicle. His recent history includes a 32-month prison sentence for threats to kill and criminal damage.
Defending counsel Bob Sastry highlighted a significant period—spanning more than six years—where Price reportedly abstained from offending, finding regular employment delivering kitchens. Sastry argued that this stability was upset upon Price’s release on licence, when strict conditions prevented him from returning to his previous work and he ultimately succumbed to financial temptation.
Judge Charlotte Crangle, passing sentence via video link from HMP Altcourse, acknowledged the positive gap in Price’s criminal activities but lamented his return to serious offending. She cited the clear premeditation involved, noting that Price obtained a new phone solely to correspond with Mr Trafford. The judge remarked on the depth of Price’s betrayal, highlighting that the victim had trusted him enough to personally deliver the motorbike—a trust that was callously exploited for criminal gain.
Ultimately, Price pleaded guilty to a single count of robbery and was handed an additional 18-month custodial sentence. As a consequence of this latest conviction, he has been recalled to serve the remainder of his previous sentence as well.
The court’s handling of the case reflects the broader challenges faced by individuals trying to reintegrate into society after a troubled youth, especially when rigid post-release restrictions limit employment prospects. However, the use of calculated deceit and violence serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths some will go to when financial desperation takes hold.
This worrying incident is a stark reminder for online sellers to remain vigilant and take precautions, even when buyers seem ostensibly respectable. As authorities continue their efforts to recover the stolen motorbike, the judicial system has delivered a clear message about the consequences of such premeditated and exploitative crimes.