Adam Knapper, 29, of Pennine Drive in St Helens, was sentenced to 39 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on June 25, 2026, after admitting robbery and dangerous driving. The court heard that on October 22, 2025, Knapper stole Lindt chocolates from a Tesco Express in Haydock, but was recognized by an employee who had attended school with him.
Robbery and Injury
Five days later, on October 27, Knapper returned to the same store and attempted to steal seven boxes of Lindt chocolate worth £84. When challenged by staff member Steven Mousdale, Knapper refused to return the items, saying, "This is mine. I'm not giving it to you. Move out the way, or I'll hit you." A scuffle ensued, during which Knapper barged into Mousdale, fracturing his middle finger. Mousdale required hospital treatment and was unable to drive for three weeks, taking three-and-a-half weeks off work. In a statement read to the court, Mousdale said: "I have fear and paranoia from the incident and PTSD from a similar incident that happened four years ago. I sometimes have nightmares due to overthinking about this."
High-Speed Chase
On November 1, 2025, police spotted Knapper driving a stolen Citroen C4 in St Helens. When officers attempted to stop him, he sped off at 50mph in a 30mph zone, braked harshly to try to cause a collision, drove on the wrong side of the road, and mounted the pavement to avoid an Asda delivery van. He also drove the wrong way around a roundabout on Clipsley Lane before colliding with another car, knocking off its wing mirror. The chase ended after four minutes when Knapper lost control on Station Road and crashed into a stationary vehicle. He fled into nearby woodland but was arrested with the help of a police dog.
Background and Sentencing
Knapper had previous convictions for burglary in 2014 and shoplifting in 2023. His defence lawyer, Ian Morris, told the court that Knapper had suffered significant personal losses, including the suicide of a cousin and the death of his father from cancer, and that his brother had been left permanently disabled by an assault. Morris said Knapper had turned to crack cocaine to cope, which impaired his judgment. In custody, Knapper had addressed his drug use, abstained completely, and acted as a model prisoner.
Recorder David Knifton KC sentenced Knapper to 39 months in prison, noting his crack cocaine addiction and family tragedies. He also banned Knapper from driving for 37-and-a-half months, requiring him to pass an extended retest before driving again.
