Authorities have confirmed the incarceration of five individuals involved in a daring alcohol theft and subsequent lorry chase spanning multiple counties.
The ordeal commenced with a break-in at a gin distillery in Wadebridge, Cornwall, during the early hours of September 8th. Perpetrators meticulously orchestrated the theft, targeting a cache of premium gin, rum, and champagne valued at approximately £90,000.
The operation was meticulously planned, with each member assigned specific roles. The premises endured significant vandalism, with bottles of alcohol destroyed and entry points compromised, resulting in thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Following the theft, authorities spotted a heavy goods vehicle traveling on the M5 with cloned plates, subsequently tracking it onto the M42. Despite attempts to halt the vehicle, it evaded officers, leading to a punctured tyre from a stinger deployed by the Central Motorway Police Group.
Undeterred, the driver continued along the M42, exiting at junction 9 in a reckless attempt to join the motorway exit slip-road against oncoming traffic flow. Subsequent collisions ensued, with a police car rammed and another vehicle struck, causing minor injuries to occupants.
Tactical intervention was employed, forcing the lorry into the central barrier, ultimately halting its progress. However, the driver attempted to flee on foot across live motorway lanes before being apprehended, while officers discovered three individuals and the stolen alcohol within the vehicle.
All five culprits pleaded guilty in court and were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on February 29th.
Inspector Sion Hathaway, representing the Central Motorway Police Group, commended the officers’ swift and decisive actions in mitigating the risks posed by the pursuit, highlighting their dedication to public safety.
The valiant efforts of the officers averted potential disaster, underscoring their unwavering commitment to protecting the community despite sustaining injuries in the line of duty.
All five pleaded guilty at court and have been sentenced today (29 Feb) at Birmingham Crown Court as follows:
Driver Adam Leek, aged 40 from Radleys Walk, Birmingham was jailed for five years and eight months for conspiracy to commit burglary, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, dangerous driving, disqualified driving and without insurance. He was disqualified from driving for 65 months and will be required to sit an extended driving test before being allowed behind the wheel again.
Passenger Sam Hall, aged 29 of no fixed address, was jailed for 31 months for conspiracy to commit burglary burglary and possession of a class B drug.
James Delaney, aged 37, and Joshua Selvey, aged 23 both from The Radleys, Birmingham, and Reiss Crombie, aged 32 from Wyndhurst Road, Birmingham, were each jailed for 33, 28 and 28 months respectively for conspiracy to commit burglary. Selvey was also convicted of possession of a class B drug.
Delaney failed to appear at court for a second time and was sentenced in his absence. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Inspector Sion Hathaway, from our Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Our officers are highly trained at driving in unpredictable and dangerous situations. They continually assess any pursuit to determine risk to the subject vehicle and other road users.
“The driver of the lorry had only one aim, which was to avoid capture, no matter the cost to other members of the public.
“We were assisted by the National Police Air Service to bring the incident to conclusion as safely as possible.
“The brave actions of my staff are a reminder of how police officers don’t hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. Had the officers not taken positive action to stop this vehicle the consequences could have been catastrophic.
“The serious injuries suffered by two officers left them in severe pain and needing lengthy treatment, which they are continuing to recover from today.
”I applaud their actions on the day which no doubt prevented potential injury to members of the public.”
