Serial Car Thief Jailed After High-Speed Chase Across Kent and London
A notorious car thief has been locked up after being caught behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle following a dramatic police chase.
Caught Red-Handed Stealing Cars Across Gillingham
Cobaine Holden, 23, travelled from West Sussex to target homes in Gillingham, stealing three cars in April 2020.
Holden’s crime spree ended when Kent Police tracked one of the stolen cars he was driving and pursued him at high speed through north Kent and into south London.
90mph Police Chase Ends with Crash and Arrest
- Holden was spotted driving two stolen cars just an hour after stealing them from a home in Twydall on 23 April.
- Kent Police remotely tracked the vehicles before attempting to stop them on London Road, Greenhithe.
- Holden sped off at 90mph in a 40mph zone, leading officers on a dangerous chase.
- The National Police Air Service and Metropolitan Police joined the hunt.
- Just 15 minutes later, Holden crashed into a streetlight in Eltham while trying to escape and was arrested on the spot.
Guilty Plea Sees Holden Locked Up for Over Three Years
At Maidstone Crown Court, Holden admitted to:
- Three counts of burglary
- Two counts of motor vehicle theft
- Two attempted burglaries
- Aggravated vehicle taking
- Possessing a knife in public
He was sentenced on 20 July 2020 to three years and six months behind bars.
Victims Traumatized as Holden Spotted Carrying a Knife
Detective Constable Richard Sears blasted Holden for his relentless crime spree. He said:
“Holden has proven himself to be a prolific offender who is prepared to break into people’s homes while they sleep. He has caused significant distress to each victim and endangered lives during the high-speed police pursuit. Carrying a kitchen knife during his crimes only makes matters worse. I’m relieved he will no longer be free to target innocent people.”
Holden was caught on CCTV breaking into multiple houses and stealing cars in Gillingham during the early hours of 12 April. He was seen carrying a kitchen knife and was accompanied by an accomplice who remains at large.
Teen Accomplice Also Faces Charges
A teenage boy was arrested following the chase of the second stolen vehicle. He has pleaded guilty to burglary and aggravated vehicle taking and is awaiting sentencing.
