Man sentenced after police locate stolen vehicle

A man has been sentenced to nine months in prison after officers arrested him for multiple offences on Sunday (28 April).

James Gibson, aged 38, of Link Walk in Hatfield, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Monday (29 April). He pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• Theft of a vehicle
• Possession of a knife
• Theft of a bicycle
• Possession of heroin
• Possession of cannabis
• Driving without a licence
• Driving without insurance

Gibson was spotted by the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) whilst he was driving. His vehicle mounted the kerb in Manor Parade where he was arrested following a short foot chase.

A search of his vehicle uncovered a knife, heroin and a key to a BMW.

Officers were aware of a BMW that had been stolen from Cunningham Avenue earlier in the day and carried out fast-time enquiries. CCTV showed Gibson stealing the vehicle.

PCSOs from the NPT carried out a search and located the stolen BMW in Dragon Road.

Further CCTV enquiries uncovered Gibson dropping the vehicle off and then fleeing the scene on a stolen bicycle.

Welwyn Hatfield NPT Inspector Amy Sheldon said: “I hope the public are reassured by the quick actions of officers, which has resulted in this offender being quickly arrested and a stolen vehicle getting returned to its rightful owner. This was a real team effort with police officers, PCSOs and detectives all involved in bringing Gibson to justice within twenty-four hours.

“As well as the custodial sentence, Gibson must pay £489 in costs to the court.

“We are committed to making sure Welwyn Hatfield is a safe place and we will continue working hard to find criminals and bring them to justice.”

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Photo 1 – Gibson’s vehicle being recovered.

 

The stolen BMW’s keys found in Gibson’s vehicle.