Man stole van while occupant was working in back in Worksop

William Roe admitted various offences and was jailed for three years and banned from driving

A thief stole a van while the occupant was working in the back of the vehicle, before driving off at speed.

William Roe was seen on CCTV scoping out the van before he took it from Victoria Square, Worksop, shortly before 14:45 GMT on 22 February.

Police said the worker jumped out, causing pain to his leg, and his tools spilled out on to the road.

The 36-year-old admitted various offences and was jailed for three years at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.

He was also banned from driving for three years and six months and ordered to take an extended driving test.

'Disregard for the law'

Nottinghamshire Police said the victim heard someone get in the driver's seat and took the decision to jump out of the side door.

Roe, of Cavendish Road, Worksop, sped off and went on to drive the van dangerously, the force said.

Police said he overtook other vehicles at speed and went on the wrong side of bollards, putting other motorists and pedestrians at risk.

The van was found abandoned shortly after in Waverley Way, and Roe was later tracked down by officers and arrested.

He admitted to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, criminal damage, and possession of the Class B drug.

Roe also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of robbery, relating to when he took alcohol without paying and threatened staff, who challenged him at a shop in Worksop, in March 2022.

Insp Hayley Crawford, district commander for Bassetlaw, said: "Roe has an extensive history of targeting vehicles for theft and showed a blatant disregard for the law and people's safety by committing these offences."