by Joe Jeffrey
Drug-addict thief from Leicestershire ends dangerous joyride and lands in jail
A thief who stole a caravan has been jailed for over three years for dangerous driving after being caught when he crashed into a house.
The caravan, which belonged to an elderly couple from Humberstone in Leicestershire, was stolen by drug-addict, James McGuire, 30, prior to leading police on a dangerous chase which saw McGuire cause the caravan to snake in the road and fail to show regard for other road users.
The police chase continued until McGuire exited the van he was driving whilst it was still moving. It was at this point that the vehicle towing the caravan, which was also stolen, collided into a parked car before careering into the front of a terraced house, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Kate Plummer, prosecuting, said of McGuire’s dangerous exploit: “”He showed complete disregard for other road users who had to take action to avoid him.
“He failed to give way on roundabouts, ignored at least one red light, and at one stage positioned himself in such a way no other road users could overtake him.”
McGuire subsequently pleaded guilty to stealing the caravan, taking the vehicle without consent, driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.
The callous thief also admitted to stealing £160 in cash, most of which was earmarked for a dog rescue charity.
Prior to his conviction, in 2013, McGuire was jailed for similar offences pertaining to stealing a van and colliding with a cyclist, causing serious injury.
Sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Recorder Steven Evans said McGuire had failed to learn his lesson following his previous conviction.
Evans said: “Someone could have been seriously injured on this occasion.
“If you keep driving like this, one day you will end up killing someone.”
The question remains, however, when will people like McGuire learn? Do you think this was a fair sentence? Let us know in the comments below.
