Mark Riddell, 45, broke an Amazon delivery driver's finger and sent him flying into a bush as he stole his van in Sunderland. The incident occurred on December 7 last year when the victim parked on Waterford Green in Pennywell to make a delivery.
Brazen Theft and Dangerous Driving
Robin Turton, prosecuting at Newcastle Crown Court, said Riddell spotted the driver and entered the van as it was left unattended. The victim tried to stop Riddell by grabbing the steering wheel, but Riddell continued driving, forcing the victim to let go as the van headed toward a lamppost. The victim fell into bushes, sustaining a broken finger, cuts, bruising, and scrapes requiring hospital treatment.
Riddell drove the van to Penshaw Monument, where police found him crouching behind a nearby car. Inside the van, some parcels had been opened. A backpack containing stolen meat and alcohol from Asda was later found in Riddell's Volvo.
Previous Offences and Remand
Riddell, of no fixed abode, has 72 previous offences. He spent seven months on remand before pleading guilty to theft, attempted theft, dangerous driving, and aggravated vehicle taking. Penny Hall, defending, said Riddell suffered from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a chronic drug addiction at the time. She argued he did not intend to harm anyone, having planned to take the van only when the driver was away.
Suspended Sentence and Driving Ban
Judge Carolyn Scott gave Riddell an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years. She noted: "Having viewed the footage, there is no doubt in my mind that the driver was extremely fortunate not to have sustained more serious injuries than he did, given the manner of your driving." She added that Riddell's significant efforts in prison prevented an immediate custodial term. He was also banned from driving for four years and must take an extended re-test before regaining his licence.
