Cocaine-Fuelled Thief Jailed After High-Speed Chase in Stolen Asda Van
A grinning, cocaine-fuelled thief who led police on a dramatic high-speed chase in a stolen Asda delivery van has been sentenced to more than two years behind bars. Thirty-year-old Shane Brett, of no fixed address, snatched the delivery vehicle from an Eastbourne warehouse in the early hours of January 30, sparking an immediate and intense police response.
The High-Stakes Pursuit
Brett drove the stolen van for approximately one hour, covering a distance of 16 miles through the streets before officers finally managed to bring the vehicle to a halt in Newhaven. Footage from the scene captures the moment police stopped the van and arrested the suspect, bringing a dangerous situation to a close.
At the scene, authorities conducted a drug wipe test, which confirmed Brett had been driving under the influence of cocaine. This revelation added a serious dimension to the already grave charges he would face.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following his arrest, Brett was swiftly charged with multiple offences. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to all charges, including:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Burglary other than a dwelling
- Dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
He was immediately remanded into custody after his guilty plea. The case then proceeded to Lewes Crown Court, where earlier this month, Brett received his final sentence.
The court handed down a prison term of 26 months and disqualified him from driving for four years. This substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the danger he posed to public safety during the high-speed chase.
Police Statement and Investigation Details
According to a police statement, officers were called to Sovereign Harbour Retail Park on Pevensey Bay Road in Eastbourne at approximately 6:20 AM on Friday, January 30, following reports of a stolen Asda van. Police quickly engaged in a tactical pursuit, successfully stopping the vehicle in The Fairway, Newhaven.
The statement confirmed that Brett tested positive for cocaine during the drug wipe conducted at the scene. He was arrested and charged the following day, January 31, with the full range of offences related to the incident.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of combining drug use with criminal behavior and dangerous driving. The coordinated police response ensured a potentially catastrophic situation was brought under control without injury to the public.
