Thief stole van with man inside it

A THIEF has been jailed for stealing a van with a worker still inside.

The victim was working in the back of his van when he heard someone get in the driver’s seat.

Within seconds the van was moving and the worker had to jump out of the side door, hurting his leg. His tools spilt on to the road, narrowly missing other vehicles, as the thief – 36-year-old William Roe – sped off.

Roe (pictured) was caught on CCTV looking at the van before he stole it from Victoria Square, Worksop, shortly before 2.45pm on February 22. He drove dangerously, overtaking at speed and going on the wrong side of bollards.

The van was found a few minutes later in Waverley Way. Police tracked down and arrested Roe, of Cavendish Road, Worksop, who appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, pleading guilty to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, criminal damage and possession of Class B drug mamba.

He also pleaded guilty to robbery relating to an incdent in which he entered a shop in Memorial Avenue, Worksop, on March 15, 2022, took bottles of vodka and threatened staff.

Roe was jailed for three years and banned from driving for three and a half years.

He must pass an extended driving test before he is allowed to drive again.

Inspector Hayley Crawford, District Commander for Bassetlaw, said: “I’m pleased we’ve now been able to remove him from our streets. Information from the public plays a really important role in helping us to locate those responsible for offences.”