A motorcycle thief has been sentenced to 44 weeks in prison after a high-speed pursuit through Maidstone, ending in his capture with the help of a police dog. Daniel Tolhurst, 23, from Linden Road, Coxheath, was apprehended following a reckless attempt to evade police on a stolen moped.
The incident unfolded early on Monday, November 11, when proactive police patrols in Coxheath reported suspicious activity involving two motorcycles around 5 a.m. Within minutes, officers spotted a stolen moped in Calder Road, Maidstone, and began pursuing Tolhurst, who ignored orders to stop and dangerously weaved through traffic. He abandoned the vehicle on Gabriel’s Hill and attempted to flee on foot, but Police Dog Boss quickly tracked him down. A search of the area revealed a balaclava, hammers, and a wrench discarded nearby.
Tolhurst was charged with multiple offences, including going equipped to steal, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving without a licence or insurance. He pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 13, and was sentenced to immediate custody. Additionally, Tolhurst received a one-year driving disqualification and was ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling over £250.
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Chief Inspector Mark McLellan of Maidstone Police commented, “Following a spate of motorcycle thefts over recent weeks, our officers have been proactively patrolling high-risk areas. This intelligence-led response has helped us catch an offender in the act. The balaclava and tools found nearby clearly indicate Tolhurst’s intent to commit further crime.”
He added, “Offenders like Tolhurst prey upon hardworking residents, targeting vehicles and property. It is pleasing to return the stolen moped to its owner, and we hope residents feel reassured that Tolhurst has faced swift justice and is now serving a custodial sentence.”
