Electrician Jailed After Chasing Burglars – Thugs Escape Punishment and Now Sue Him
Burglars Injured in High-Speed Chase
Adam White, 34, an electrician from Leighton Buzzard, was jailed for chasing two burglars armed with bolt cutters and a crowbar. He pursued them in his Mercedes 4×4 and ran them off the road. The burglars escaped jail despite serious injuries from the crash, including multiple broken bones, a fractured skull, and bleeding on the brain.
The masked raiders were thrown from a stolen motorcycle minutes after the chase. A 999 call reported the “terrible accident” to Bedfordshire Police. White was caught on camera asking the arresting officer, “Am I in trouble? I won’t be sent to jail for this, am I?”
Raiders Get Off Lightly – Now Suing White
In February, White was sentenced to 22 months in prison at Luton Crown Court for reckless driving and endangering others. Meanwhile, burglars Taylor Benford and Ryan Paul, both 25, received only suspended sentences and 200 hours of community service for the attempted robbery in September 2019.
Both defendants have a long rap sheet, including weapons possession, theft, reckless driving, criminal damage, shoplifting, and drug dealing. Despite their injuries, they’re now suing White’s insurers for £1 million.
Family Pay a Heavy Price
White’s wife Lindsay reveals the harsh toll the saga has taken on their family. “Adam lost his job and we’ve spent £50,000 in legal fees. I was forced to have an abortion because I couldn’t afford to support the pregnancy without his income,” she said.
Lindsay called the outcome “incredibly unfair,” adding, “They do it because they can – maybe they don’t want to work and prefer a life of crime. If Adam hadn’t confronted them, they probably wouldn’t have been caught.”
Community Divided as Police Weigh In
A local witness slammed the burglars: “I’ve been broken into seven times this year. I have sympathy for the homeowner. If I were with my kids and saw people breaking in with crowbars, I’d do the same.”
In police footage, White said, “I didn’t mean to hit or knock them. That car is my pride and joy. I had no desire to harm them.”
Bedfordshire Police stated:
“Our role is to investigate and build a case for the CPS. Taylor Benford and Ryan Paul pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, while Adam White was found guilty by a jury. The judge sentenced White to 22 months and gave suspended sentences to the raiders, who bear substantial responsibility for their injuries. There are no winners here. This case is a warning – don’t take the law into your own hands. Call 999 to let police handle criminals and keep the public safe.”
The case is featured in Channel 4’s 24 Hours In Police Custody, highlighting the heated debate over vigilante justice versus the law.
