Raid chase trio jailed

Three burglars from Kidderminster who threw a stolen safe at a police car during a high-speed chase have been jailed for a total of 10 years.

The safe was taken during a raid on DVLA offices near Worcester before the offenders then led officers on a chase at speeds of up to 100mph.

Gavin Shuck, aged 40, of Rifle Range Road, and Terence Hodgkins, 31, of Goldthorn Road, both in Kidderminster, were convicted of the burglary after a trial at Worcester Crown Court in February.

Mark Wilson, 37, of Albert Road, Kidderminster, who was described by Judge Andrew Geddes as the ringleader, admitted his part in the raid in Kempsey last November, which saw more than £2,197 stolen.

Wilson was jailed for three years and 34 weeks.

Hodgkins, who had 17 previous convictions for burglary, was sentenced to three years and 10 months while Shuck received two-and-a-half years.

Mr John Brotherton, for Hodgkins, described the raid as "farcical and hamfisted" which belied the judge's assessment that professional burglars had been involved.

The court was told the break-in took place at night and the intruders were chased by police for more than 20 miles when the safe was thrown at the pursuing police car.

Miss Samantha Crabb, prosecuting, claimed that Shuck and Hodgkins had tried to "hoodwink" the jury into believing that they were unsuspecting dupes in an escapade organised by Wilson.

Mr David Payne, for Wilson, who had 24 previous convictions for burglary, said he had stolen to make a living for himself.

He said the raid was devoid of professional marks and had led to easy detection.

Miss Emma Rutherford, for Shuck, who had one previous burglary conviction, said he was trying to modify his lifestyle because of the effect his custody was having on his three children.