Man jailed for series of thefts in east Birmingham, including a car used by disability carers

Richard Gull was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on November 4 to a total of four years in prison after being arrested and charged for a number of offences committed over a month.

Officers from the Stechford Neighbourhood Crime team had been investigating after Gull tried to steal several bottles of alcohol from a supermarket in Sutton Coldfield on June 25.

He was detained by security but pulled out a blade, injuring a staff member, who was not seriously hurt, and the 32-year-old, of no fixed address, was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Gull was released on bail by the court ahead of a further hearing, and despite the strict conditions attached to that bail, continued to offend.

On July 7, Gull went to a food bank, being operated from someone’s home address in Erdington.

After asking for a sandwich, he then burgled the house, taking car keys before stealing a car parked on the drive which contained vital medical equipment, which the owners used to help care for a disabled family member. 

Colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit recovered the stolen car later that day, but the contents of it were never found. 

Investigators were able to identify Gull as the suspect, and following a thorough CCTV trawl, he was arrested and charged.

He was also charged with several further offences of stealing from shops around east Birmingham.

Investigating officer, PC Hannah Kilminster, said: “We were able to identify Gull as a suspect in multiple offences, and a thorough investigation by the Neighbourhood Crime Team meant we were then able to secure all these charges against him.

“Despite having previously been before the courts, he continued to offend, showing no remorse towards the people he stole from.

“We don’t underestimate the impact crimes like burglary and robbery can have on people, and our team are committed to investigating all reports of it and trying to bring offenders to justice.”