Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire – A thief who stole a man’s mobile phone in a harrowing incident, during which the victim was dragged along a road while hanging onto the thief’s car, has been sentenced. The shocking incident took place on January 25, 2023, and has left the local community shaken.
The victim had put his Samsung mobile phone for sale on an online marketplace and was contacted by an individual using a social media profile under the name “Ben Hough.” They agreed to meet at the victim’s residence in Kirkby-in-Ashfield to complete the transaction.
Upon arrival at around 7 pm, the buyer, later identified as 23-year-old Terence Maughan, and the victim quickly agreed on a price. Maughan claimed that he had transferred £620 to the victim’s account and even showed the seller a phone screen displaying an Irish bank account with the details.
However, as time passed, it became apparent that the funds had not been transferred. The victim suggested that Maughan return later to complete the transaction, but Maughan refused. He left the victim’s home with the phone in his pocket, leaving behind an empty box.
A Terrifying Confrontation
Desperate to retrieve his property, the victim attempted to block the driver’s side door of Maughan’s car as he tried to leave. What followed was a terrifying confrontation that left the victim clinging to the thief’s vehicle.
During the struggle on the driveway, the victim’s right arm became trapped in the steering wheel, while his left arm wrapped around Maughan. Ignoring the victim’s pleas, Maughan started the car and sped off, dragging the victim along the road.
Afterward, Maughan did slow down momentarily upon the victim’s request to stop, but he then accelerated again, pushing the victim out of the moving vehicle and into the middle of the road.
Victim Suffers Injuries
The victim sustained painful injuries to the right side of his body during this shocking incident and required medical treatment at a hospital.
Sentencing and Consequences
Terence Maughan, who was traced by detectives through a fingerprint left on the mobile phone’s box, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, November 6. He was sentenced to 10 months in jail, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation requirement days and banned from driving for 12 months.
Detective Inspector James Oakton of Nottinghamshire Police expressed concern for the victim, stating, “This must have been an extremely upsetting ordeal for the victim who was simply trying to sell a phone.” He added, “It was incredibly reckless and dangerous to speed off in the way he did, knowing the victim could be dragged along the road and potentially get trapped underneath the vehicle.
Oakton urged caution for those using online marketplaces and advised taking all possible precautions when meeting buyers and sellers to avoid falling victim to such crimes.
The victim had put his Samsung mobile phone for sale on an online marketplace and was contacted by an individual using a social media profile under the name “Ben Hough.” They agreed to meet at the victim’s residence in Kirkby-in-Ashfield to complete the transaction.
Upon arrival at around 7 pm, the buyer, later identified as 23-year-old Terence Maughan, and the victim quickly agreed on a price. Maughan claimed that he had transferred £620 to the victim’s account and even showed the seller a phone screen displaying an Irish bank account with the details.
However, as time passed, it became apparent that the funds had not been transferred. The victim suggested that Maughan return later to complete the transaction, but Maughan refused. He left the victim’s home with the phone in his pocket, leaving behind an empty box.
A Terrifying Confrontation
Desperate to retrieve his property, the victim attempted to block the driver’s side door of Maughan’s car as he tried to leave. What followed was a terrifying confrontation that left the victim clinging to the thief’s vehicle.
During the struggle on the driveway, the victim’s right arm became trapped in the steering wheel, while his left arm wrapped around Maughan. Ignoring the victim’s pleas, Maughan started the car and sped off, dragging the victim along the road.
Afterward, Maughan did slow down momentarily upon the victim’s request to stop, but he then accelerated again, pushing the victim out of the moving vehicle and into the middle of the road.
Victim Suffers Injuries
The victim sustained painful injuries to the right side of his body during this shocking incident and required medical treatment at a hospital.
Sentencing and Consequences
Terence Maughan, who was traced by detectives through a fingerprint left on the mobile phone’s box, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, November 6. He was sentenced to 10 months in jail, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation requirement days and banned from driving for 12 months.
Detective Inspector James Oakton of Nottinghamshire Police expressed concern for the victim, stating, “This must have been an extremely upsetting ordeal for the victim who was simply trying to sell a phone.” He added, “It was incredibly reckless and dangerous to speed off in the way he did, knowing the victim could be dragged along the road and potentially get trapped underneath the vehicle.
Oakton urged caution for those using online marketplaces and advised taking all possible precautions when meeting buyers and sellers to avoid falling victim to such crimes.
