Menace Behind the Wheel and Burglar’s Mask: Keiron Watkins Locked Up for Five Years
A reckless criminal who ploughed into a police car and ransacked petrol stations across Suffolk has been slammed with a five-year jail term. Keiron Watkins, 32, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court last week (11 August 2020) after admitting a string of serious offences.
Crash and Dash: Reverses Into Police Car at Speed
The courtroom heard how Watkins’ dangerous driving spree peaked on 7 May. While being pulled over on Beccles Road, Lowestoft, in a marked police car with flashing blue lights, Watkins initially stopped—then floored it backwards. He collided into the police vehicle, denting the bonnet and injuring the officer with whiplash.
Ignoring the chaos he caused, Watkins fled at breakneck speed. But an off-duty cop spotted him moments later on Church Lane, Carlton Colville, and swiftly arrested the no-good driver.
Petrol Station Burglar Strikes Twice in £6,600 Raid
Just days before crashing into the police car, Watkins launched two violent raids on petrol stations along the A12. Armed with a wooden pickaxe, he smashed glass doors at Darsham (4 May) and Framlingham (5 May), stealing tobacco, food, and drinks valued at nearly £6,700.
He also faced added charges after police found keys on him that were stolen from a Mutford property’s key safe.
Criminal Record Stains Cell: Mobile Phone Hidden in Prison
Watkins’ law-breaking didn’t stop on the outside. Earlier this year, while serving time at HMP Norwich, he was caught with an illegal phone stashed in a light fitting. This latest scandal piled up his offences list.
Judgment Day and Police Reaction
Watkins, who has no fixed address, received five years behind bars, a driving ban lasting four and a half years, and a £181 victim surcharge.
Detective Constable Santiago Nield blasted: “Watkins has proved himself a danger to others and directly injured a police officer through his aggressive and dangerous driving. In the previous days, he blatantly flouted the law, stealing thousands of pounds of goods from petrol stations. We are pleased that justice has been done in this case and Watkins is where he belongs – away from the public.”
