Ninfield car thiefput behind bars

Bobby Robert McCarthy, 25, of Llwynhendy, Llanelli, South Wales, took the blue Toyota Hi-Lux 4x4 pick-up from Moor Hall Drive shortly after 3.30pm on November 20 and was later arrested following a brief pursuit in Tonbridge.

McCarthy appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on Wednesday January 21 where he was remanded in custody to appear before Tunbridge Wells Magistrates Court the following day.

There, he admitted taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence.

Magistrates heard how McCarthy took the Toyota after first removing a Rottweiler dog from the cab.

The pick-up truck was reported missing within 10 minutes of being taken and police began trying to trace it.

The vehicle was spotted on the A21 at Hurst Green a short while later and it appeared to be headed over the border into Kent.

Police pursued the vehicle into the neighbouring county.

It was eventually stopped by officers in Vauxhall Lane, Tonbridge, where McCarthy was arrested.

Magistrates jailed McCarthy for 120 days.

On top of his prison sentenced, he was handed a 24 month driving ban and will be required to retake his driving test after disqualification.

McCarthy was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

In an unrelated incident a thief attempted to steal a Land Rover from the area recently.