Dangerous driver who hid on house roof jailed

A man has been jailed for dangerous driving after being arrested by officers carrying out night time patrols to tackle vehicle crime.

Officers were on patrol looking out for potential van and car thieves just after 11pm on Wednesday 18 March when they spotted 23-year-old Travis Hindmarsh driving without insurance and crawling around a housing estate.

Hindmarsh, of no fixed address, failed to stop and was pursued by officers around the Swadlincote and the Newhall area. During the pursuit, he threw items from the vehicle.

He eventually ran away after crashing into a wall and a parked car, leaving behind a balaclava, mole grips and a screwdriver as he made off from PC Boniface.

Shortly after this, officers tracked Hindmarsh to an address linked to the car, finding him attempting to hide on the roof of the house.

He was arrested and initially charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop, driving without insurance and going equipped for theft of motor vehicles.

Hindmarsh appeared at Derby Crown Court on Monday 27 April where he agreed a plea deal and admitted dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

He was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Officers were out on late night patrols in South Derbyshire as part of Operation Lockheed, a local initiative to tackle vehicle crime, such as the theft of cars and van break ins, and prevent burglaries in South Derbyshire.

PC Alex Boniface said: “Hindmarsh failed to stop and drove dangerously, at points reaching high speeds in residential areas and mounting pavements in his attempt to get away from us, something which he failed to do, before crashing and taking to his feet.

“These patrols are part of our ongoing work to tackle vehicle crime in South Derbyshire and protect residents and businesses from offenders who cause real disruption and distress by taking or breaking into their vehicles.

“The local safer neighbourhood team will be continuing both covert and visible patrols. If you see someone acting suspiciously, please report it to us immediately so that we can take action.”

You can watch a video of the pursuit and arrest on our website: Dangerous driver who hid on house roof jailed | Derbyshire Constabulary