Man sent to prison after WGC arrest

A man has been sent to prison after police arrested him for trying to steal a bicycle in Welwyn Garden City.

Stephen McDonagh, aged 37, of Oaksview Park in Kidlington, was spotted by CCTV operators as he attempted to steal from the bike rack on Hyde Way.

The incident happened at around 5pm on Monday 26 August.

McDonagh fled from officers as they arrived at the scene, changing his clothes multiple times and jumping over fences.

He was arrested in Longcroft Lane and taken in to custody.

On Wednesday 28 August, McDonagh appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to the attempted theft of a pedal cycle and obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of duty.

He was sentenced to one month in prison for the attempted bike theft and six more months for breaching a suspended sentence order from Oxford Magistrates’ Court. There was no separate penalty for obstructing a police officer.

Sergeant James Wingate said: “This is a great result from the Welwyn Hatfield Intervention Team*. McDonagh tried to evade police for over an hour by jumping fences and repeatedly changing his clothing. Our officers did not give up though and McDonagh is now facing justice for his actions.

“We know that bike theft is hugely inconvenient and often expensive for victims. I hope this news is reassuring to cyclists that we will target bike thieves and make sure they face consequences.”

*Intervention Teams are responsible for responding to 999 calls and emergencies. They differ from Neighbourhood Policing Teams who are tasked with community engagement and fixing long-term local issues such as anti-social behaviour.

Join our community messaging platform Herts Connected where you will receive free local police messages. You can also choose to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner if that’s what you select when you sign up. 

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit Echo and tell us your thoughts.