Fuel Thief Jailed After Dangerous Police Chase with Child on Board
A notorious fuel thief from Maidstone has been locked up for a reckless police chase that ended in a crash – all while a young child was in the car.
Reckless Getaway Ends in Collision
James Dunn, 47, of Quarry Road, was spotted by police on Old Tovil Road on 4 October 2024. He was already under suspicion for numerous fuel thefts across Kent.
When officers flashed their blue lights, Dunn first bolted on foot but quickly jumped back into his 1. He reversed at breakneck speed, smashing into a lamppost before crashing into a Ford Fiesta, which was lifted off the ground by the force of the hit.
Shockingly, Dunn had a woman and a child as passengers during the chaos. After the crash, he attempted to flee on foot again but was quickly caught on Church Road.
Fuel Theft Spree Hits Multiple Kent Towns
Since late July 2024, Dunn targeted petrol stations across Kent on at least nine occasions. His crime spree covered areas like Paddock Wood, Staplehurst, Maidstone, Aylesford, and East Peckham.
He filled both his car and large containers in the boot with stolen fuel.
After his arrest, police found:
- Two knives
- Petrol containers
- A black balaclava
Jail Time and Driving Ban for Brazen Criminal
At Maidstone Crown Court, Dunn pleaded guilty to:
- Nine charges of making off without payment
- Dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified
- Going equipped for theft
On 8 May 2025, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison and banned from driving for two years.
Police Hit Out at “Brazen” Crimes
Detective Inspector Tristan Stevens slammed Dunn’s actions:
“Dunn’s thefts were both brazen and premeditated. His reckless actions during arrest could have caused serious harm to innocent bystanders.”
“Fuel thefts harm small businesses and increase costs for the wider public. Dunn’s contempt for the law has now rightly earned him a prison sentence.”
