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Two people have been jailed after we tracked down two cars that had been robbed from the owners at knifepoint in Stoke-on-Trent.
Michael Caddick, 44, of no fixed abode, and Ben Leadbeater, 31, of no fixed abode, were both sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (14 January).
On 22 June 2022, the duo worked together to take a red Toyota after they threatened the owner at knifepoint on Broadway, Meir.
A friend of the victim spotted the car on Harrowby Road. He followed it for about a minute while we flooded the area with officers looking for the stolen vehicle.
The man followed the car until Caddick and Leadbeater got out. One of them had a large knife on him and threatened the man, who ran away.
Caddick drove off in the man’s Toyota Yaris, while Leadbeater got back in the red Toyota and carried on driving away.
The car Leadbeater was driving was stung by officers while he was trying to get away and was arrested on the railway lines at Blythe Bridge. He became obstructive and put himself and officers in harm’s way before being taken away to custody. Caddick was also stopped on Green Lane and was arrested by officers.
After being charged with the offences, both men eventually pleaded guilty in court to two counts each of aggravated vehicle taking.
Caddick was sentenced to 17 months imprisonment, while Leadbeater was given 16 months.
We’re determined to take the fight to vehicle thieves. Continued proactive efforts to stop those responsible and protect people’s belongings is happening every single day across Staffordshire.
We’re using specialist technology and resources, including our road crime team (RCT), to target offenders no matter where they go.