AssetID: 55943239
Headline: Caught on camera: Shirtless thief steals delivery van then tries to flee on foot after four-and-a-half mile chase
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: Charlotte Phillips A shirtless thief who stole a delivery can before driving the wrong way down a road, ignoring no entry signs and clipping two vehicles has been jailed. Its driver had been dropping off a package in Chatham, Kent, at around 11.50am last Tuesday (August 18) when Keenan Fairclough commandeered the vehicle. The van was spotted by officers 10 minutes after the call came in and police were led on a four-and-a-half mile pursuit. During that time, Fairclough drove the wrong way, ignored no entry signs and clipped two vehicles. Police bodycam footage shows officers chasing the van through tight residential roads before a shirtless Fairclough jumps out and tries to run away on foot. He was arrested in Victoria Street in Maidstone and was charged on the following day with theft and several driving offences including dangerous driving. The 25-year-old, of Pier Road, Gillingham, was also charged in relation to two previous shoplifting incidents in Chatham. On August 7, he stole £240 of clothing from a store in the Pentagon Centre which was recovered soon after. The four days later, on August 11, he took two milkshakes and some confectionary from a shop in Medway Street. He punched an employee in the face after being challenged, causing cuts and swelling to his mouth. Fairclough appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on August 19, the day after he stole the van, where he pleaded guilty to all offences. He was given a 12 month prison sentence and will be disqualified from driving for two years upon his release. He will be required to complete an extended re-test when eligible. Police Sergeant Jason Francis said: “This case highlights the excellent proactive work we achieve through on the street patrols and rapid camera reviews. “Our quick arrest and evidence capture enabled us to put together enough evidence that he had no choice but to plead guilty. “We are satisfied we have been able to bring him to justice so swiftly and that he will spend time behind bars.”
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