Van thief raced through red lights in bid to escape police pursuit
A VAN thief sped through red lights at 50mph and drove on the wrong side of the road in a desperate bid to escape police.
Mason Holt showed a “flagrant disregard” for the safety of others when he drove a Ford Transit van he had stolen at high speed. The 30-year-old led police on a chase along several roads before dumping it when he drove down a cul-de-sac and trying to flee on foot.
However, he was brought to a stop when he was caught by a police dog while trying to make his way across a river.
A sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court on Wednesday, November 17, was told he had a history of offending.
Holt had previously been jailed for eight years and four months for his role in a 38 burglaries committed by a gang in 2013 and 2014. The court heard that he was on licence for this when he committed the latest offences on December 16, last year.
Fergus Malone, prosecuting, said Holt had stolen the white Ford Transit from a outside a house in Shirebrook between 5.30pm and 9pm. “At about 9pm, police began pursuit of the van as it headed towards the A60,” he said.
Mr Malone said the chase continued into Worksop, when the van was driven on the wrong side of the road and at up to 60mph in a 30mph limit.
Video shown in court showed the vehicle travelling at 50mph as it went through two sets of red lights in town. The chase came to an end in Garside Street, Worksop, and Holt ran and tried to escape through the River Ryton. He was followed by a police dog which caught and detained him, Mr Malone said.
“It’s a prolonged period of bad driving, with a flagrant disregard for the safety of others.”
Holt, of Dickens Road, Worksop, answered “no comment” when interviewed but would later plead guilty to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and driving without insurance. His counsel said Holt had been going through “a difficult period”, having lost his job and having two ill relatives to whom he was close. “His life was spiralling out of control at this time.
“He was married earlier this year. They had a child in September. That’s clearly had an effect on him. As bad as last year was, he says this year has been the opposite. He has a job and work that doesn’t require him to drive. He is a relatively young man. This is a man who is looking to turn his life around – he has a reason to do so.”
Recorder Simon Gurney said Holt was “very fortunate no one was injured or hurt as a result” of his driving. “You had little regard for the victims of the offences.
“It is hoped the arrival of your child will be a stabilising factor in your life. It’s time you grew up and took some responsibility.
“I hope you take the opportunity I have afforded you.”
He sentenced Holt to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, ordered him to undertake 200 hours’ unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions. He also disqualified him from driving for 18 months and ordered him to take an extended retest.
It is hoped the arrival of your child will be a stabilising factor. It’s time you grew up. Recorder Simon Gurney