A thief who stole a delivery van while its driver was dropping off a parcel in Chatham has been jailed after being brought before the courts within 24 hours.
Keenan Fairclough stole the vehicle from Bank Street at around 11.50am on Tuesday, August 18, while its driver was making a delivery.
Kent Police officers spotted the stolen van just ten minutes after the incident was reported and began pursuing it.
During the four-and-a-half-mile pursuit, Fairclough drove the wrong way, ignored no-entry signs and clipped two other vehicles.
The pursuit ended in Victoria Street, Maidstone, where officers arrested the 25-year-old.
Previous offences uncovered
Fairclough, of Pier Road, Gillingham, was charged the following day with theft and a number of driving offences, including dangerous driving.
He was also charged over two earlier shoplifting incidents in Chatham.
On August 7, Fairclough stole around £240 worth of clothing from a store in the Pentagon Shopping Centre. The items were recovered shortly afterwards.
Four days later, on August 11, he stole two milkshakes and confectionery from a shop in Medway Street.
When an employee challenged him, Fairclough punched the worker in the face, leaving him with cuts and swelling to his mouth.
Jailed for 12 months
Fairclough appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on August 19 and pleaded guilty to all the offences.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Following his release, Fairclough will also be disqualified from driving for two years and must complete an extended driving test before he can regain his licence.
Police Constable Adam Cripps 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.”
