A prolific criminal has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison after committing multiple thefts and driving offences in Swale. Darren Regan, 32, of Oak Road, Sittingbourne, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, 14 October, after pleading guilty to a series of offences spanning several months.
Regan’s crime spree began in the early hours of 29 January 2024, when he broke into two vehicles near Sheerness, stealing a pair of binoculars from one. Shortly afterwards, he was stopped by a police patrol, and officers discovered the stolen binoculars hidden in his coat sleeve. Regan was arrested and charged with theft and interfering with a vehicle.
On 14 May, Regan altered the registration number of his Ford Fiesta using black tape before leaving a petrol station in Minster-on-Sea without paying for fuel worth £76.21. Later, on 25 May, he stole a VW Jetta belonging to a delivery driver in Sittingbourne, which he sold online for £575. The authorities apprehended Regan again on 11 June when he was found sitting in the driver’s seat of a VW Polo with the ignition on. He was arrested and charged with making off without payment for fuel, theft of a car, driving without a licence, no insurance, and criminal damage after spitting on a camera in the police station custody area.
Regan continued his criminal activity on 27 June when he attempted to intimidate another motorist in Sheerness, dangerously tailgating and eventually ramming the rear of the other car on Winstanley Avenue. His vehicle, displaying false registration plates, was tracked down on 2 July, and Regan was arrested the following day. He faced charges including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, no insurance, failing to stop after a collision, failing to report a collision, and fraudulent use of a registration mark.
During his appearance at Maidstone Crown Court, Regan pleaded guilty to all charges. He was sentenced to one year and 11 months’ imprisonment and will be disqualified from driving for two years and 11 months following his release.
Detective Sergeant Barry Carr commented on the case, stating, “Regan is a prolific criminal who has shown a complete disregard for the law and other road users. Swale will be a safer place while he is behind bars, and local officers will be sure to look out for him when he is released to ensure he does not get behind the wheel of a car until his disqualification from driving has concluded and he has the appropriate insurance and other documentation.”
The authorities urge residents to report any suspicious behavioUr to ensure the continued safety of the community.
