10  February  2009

Stinger used to stop man who stole work van

Mark Sean Long, of Ancaster Avenue, north Hull, was arrested on February 7 in Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, more than twice over the legal drink-drive limit. Mr Long, a 19-year-old man, stole a works van while drunk and led police on a chase.

Long pleaded guilty to charges of drink-driving, no insurance, driving while disqualified, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving.

The court heard Long took the van from his workplace in Hedon Road - where he has since lost his job - and drove to pick a friend up in Hessle. He then travelled on the A165, where police noticed him driving erratically. Long then tried to evade officers as they signalled for him to stop.

Long collided with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and Police eventually used a stinger device to stop the Ford Transit van he was driving.

Long was released on bail, but is the subject of an electronic tag and a 7pm curfew. Magistrates also banned him from driving any vehicle. They said: "You must not drive any vehicle on a public highway. If you do, it will surely lead to a prison sentence."


If you would like to know more about your rights then contact Traffic Lawyers on 01603 281125