A prolific fuel thief from Maidstone has been jailed after crashing into a lamppost and another vehicle while attempting to flee from police, despite having a young child as a passenger.
Reckless Escape Through Residential Streets
James Dunn, 47, of Quarry Road, was spotted by police patrols on Old Tovil Road on 4 October 2024, in connection with a string of fuel thefts across Kent.
When officers activated their blue lights, Dunn initially fled on foot, but then jumped back into his Vauxhall Astra and reversed at reckless speed, smashing into a lamppost and then colliding with a Ford Fiesta, which was lifted into the air by the force of the impact.
He had a woman and a child in the car at the time.
After the crash, Dunn attempted to escape again on foot but was detained by officers on Church Road.
Crime Spree Spanning Multiple Towns
Since the end of July 2024, Dunn had stolen fuel on at lEast nine occasions, targeting petrol forecourts in Paddock Wood, Staplehurst, Maidstone, Aylesford, and East Peckham. He often filled both his car and large containers in the boot.
A search of the vehicle after his arrest uncovered:
- Two knives
- Petrol containers
- A black balaclava
Sentencing and Police Statement
Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Dunn pleaded guilty to:
- Nine counts of making off without payment
- Dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified
- Going equipped for theft
On 8 May 2025, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years.
Police Condemn “Brazen” Crimes
Detective Inspector Tristan Stevens said:
“Dunn’s thefts were both brazen and premeditated. His reckless actions during arrest could have caused serious harm to innocent bystanders.
Fuel thefts harm small businesses and increase costs for the wider public. Dunn’s contempt for the law has now rightly earned him a prison sentence.”
