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Posted on Friday 26 August 2022
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Being polite doesn’t fool us.

Patrolling PC Sean Alderson became suspicious when he saw a Ford Transit van with its back door open driving around Shildon just after midnight on August 20 – first red flag.

PC Alderson stopped the driver, Dale Edward Watson, who informed him he didn’t hold a full licence or have insurance – second red flag.

Watson was also chatty, sweaty and slurring his speech – third red flag.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs when a drug wipe came back positive for cannabis and cocaine, as well as driving without a licence and insurance. He was also further arrested after showing as wanted for failing to appear at court to answer charges of aggravated robbery.

Then PC Alderson checked the vehicle and noticed a skeleton key in the ignition – bingo!

Turns out a quick check showed the van was registered to a law-abiding citizen in Eastgate who was unaware it had been stolen 40 minutes earlier.

Watson, 29, was taken into custody where he suddenly lost his ability to speak and gave a ‘no comment’ interview.

He was charged with theft of motor vehicle, going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Watson, of Hazeldale Avenue, Shildon, was put before magistrates on Monday (August 22) where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 12 weeks on a tag, ordered to carry out 70 hours’ unpaid work, given eight penalty points and to pay £199 in costs.

The van was returned to its rightful owner.

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