Jail for car thief who crashed into police vehicle in Hartlepool

Darren Cooper, 35, is behind bars after the raid on a shop in Byker, Newcastle, in November 2019.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how Cooper entered the store, distracted the member of staff and stole a set of car keys.

Claire Cann, 34, was waiting outside the shop and the pair made off in the stolen Vauxhall Astra.

However, later in the evening, Cooper managed to crash the stolen vehicle into a police patrol car in Hartlepool.

Officers from Cleveland Police ran a check on the car and when they discovered it had been stolen, both Cooper and Cann were arrested at the scene.

Cooper pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and theft in relation to the incident on November 8, 2019.

Cooper, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 10 months at Newcastle Crown Court and was disqualified from driving for two years and five months.

Cann, of Westgate Road, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and she is due to appear in court to be sentenced in April.

Detective Constable Kate Bain, who led the investigation at Northumbria Police, describes the incident as 'callous' and has caused much distress to an innocent victim.

Det Con Bain said: "Cooper has clearly had a callous plan of action to distract the victim in order to take the car keys and the car while Cann has knowingly travelled in a stolen vehicle.

“Their actions have potentially caused a danger to others and thankfully our colleagues in Cleveland were able to stop them in their tracks.

“The victim was kind-hearted enough to help Cooper in the shop yet Cooper has completely disregarded the victim’s good-nature by stealing from him.

“It is totally unacceptable and is absolutely right that both Cooper and Cann are convicted for their actions.”

“If you have been a victim of any crime or have any information you need to share, you can now contact police online.

“For more information search online. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.