Car Thief Rams Police Before Taser Arrest in Peterborough Chase
Thomas Smiley, 33, led police on a wild chase through Peterborough after stealing a Renault Kadjar in Cambridge.
High-Speed Drama on Whittlesey Road
On the night of April 5, around 10.15pm, Smiley was spotted driving the stolen Kadjar along Whittlesey Road, Stanground. Traffic officers tailed him all the way to Hankey Street, Millfield, where they boxed the vehicle in. Instead of stopping, Smiley rammed the police cars multiple times, damaging both.
Taser Ending to Daring Getaway
Smiley eventually made a run for it on foot but was quickly tasered and arrested. Further investigations revealed more criminal antics. He had stolen the Kadjar from a Milton Road driveway in Cambridge three days earlier, on April 2.
Fuel Theft and Number Plate Swaps
- On April 3, Smiley filled the car with £82.43 worth of fuel at Haddon Services, Peterborough, and drove off without paying.
- The Kadjar’s number plate had been stolen from a van at Euro Parts in Cambridge and slapped on the car.
- Before the chase, number plates were also pinched from a Volkswagen Golf in Westwood Park Road, Peterborough, then swapped with the Kadjar’s original plates.
Judge Hands Down Two-Year Sentence and Driving Ban
At Peterborough Crown Court on June 30, Smiley of Queens Walk, Peterborough, admitted guilt to theft, making off without payment, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He was sentenced to two years in jail.
A charge of handling stolen goods was left on file. He was also banned from driving for three years.
