Man jailed for robbery and driving offences

A man has been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to driving and robbery offences committed in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent.

Richard Mark Walley, 39, of Uttoxeter Road, Stoke-on-Trent, was given a nine-year custodial sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (8 February), after admitting two counts of robbery, five counts of attempted robbery and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Walley was also banned from driving for three years extended to four-and-a-half years with an extended re-test. He pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle dangerously, using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance, driving a motor vehicle otherwise in accordance with a licence and failing to cooperate with a preliminary test – motor vehicle offence.

The court heard how a series of events unfolded between 2.40pm and 3.30pm on 7 January in the Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent areas, all involving the offender.

At around 2.40pm CCTV captures Walley threatening two separate households whilst brandishing a large knife within the vicinity of Ludlow Street, Stoke-on-Trent before visiting a number of other properties in the vicinity.

The suspect then entered a property with the knife and threatened the victim. Walley stole a quantity of cash, a Sony Experian mobile phone, a Samsung smart watch and a deck of cards.

Shortly after, he entered another property with the knife and threatened the victim. He emptied the victim’s bag, picked up a set of car keys, left the property and drove off in a silver Mercedes.

A further three incidents, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, were reported where the suspect attempted to steal other motor vehicles.

At around 3.15pm, the suspect deliberately collided into police vehicles.

Six officers suffered minor injuries as a result of the collisions, and causing over £14,000 worth of damage.

The suspect also collided with other road users whilst trying to evade police including a silver Vauxhall Corsa driven by a woman. The Corsa came to a stop after the collision.

The man was detained a short time later after attempting to flee officers by getting away in a silver Vauxhall Corsa driven by the woman.

Detective Constable Emma Holloway of Staffordshire Police, said: “Walley was clearly on a spree of dangerous offending causing a large amount of harm within a short period of time. We are pleased that he admitted his offending and that the judge saw fit to deliver a custodial sentence. Walley wrote a letter to the court apologising to the victims for his actions stating he was going to use his time in prison to rehabilitate.”

“We hope this serves as a reminder that this behaviour will not be tolerated and we assure the community that the force will take all of the necessary steps to apprehend those responsible.”