A man has been jailed after a South Wales Police investigation into two stolen cars, and other theft offences.
Liam McDonald, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 91 weeks (a year and nine months) on September 4 at Cardiff Crown Court.
He is also banned from driving for three years.
McDonald had previously entered guilty pleas to:
- Aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving
- Taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent
- Two counts of driving while disqualified
- Using a motor vehicle on a road / public place without third-party insurance
- Two counts of theft from a motor vehicle
- Two counts of theft from a shop
The court heard how McDonald began his crime spree on July 8, when he stole five jars of coffee from inside a B&M in Leckwith.
Two days later, on July 10, a car was reported stolen from an address in Cardiff. Following CCTV enquiries, a man on a bike – now known to be McDonald – was identified by the investigating officer as being responsible for stealing the car. It was later found abandoned between Sloper Road and Leckwith Road two days later.
On July 21, McDonald stole two bottles of whiskey worth £119 from a Waitrose in Pontprennau.
McDonald’s activities were brought to an end on July 27, following a 999 call reporting a car had just been stolen. Roads policing officers were conducting an area search for the stolen car when it was spotted driving towards the officers.
Seeing the officers, McDonald drove away dangerously and a pursuit was authorised. Officers were eventually able to box in the vehicle and safely arrest McDonald:
He was then further linked to the earlier incidents and arrested in connection with them.
Investigating officer PC Paul Griffiths of the Cardiff neighbourhood team said:
“McDonald committed a spate of offences that had a big impact on the people and businesses in his communities. He also put people on the road at risk that day driving in the manner that he did and without a license. I’m pleased to see this sentence handed down today.”
