“Dangerous one-man crime wave” jailed following series of offences across Warwickshire
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Michael Leese, aged 18, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court last Friday (October 11) after pleading guilty to three counts of burglary dwelling and theft; two counts each of attempted robbery and attempted burglary with intent to steal; and one count each of burglary, attempted theft of motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle, dangerous driving, making off without payment, failing to stop, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
Warwickshire Police said that during an incident on May 2 in Rugby and on May 9 in Kenilworth, Leese used violence to attempt to steal cars from their owners.
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Hide AdHe also committed burglary and theft offences in Nuneaton, Keresley End and Exhall.
Warwickshire Police launched a major manhunt for Leese with a reward offered for his capture.
He was arrested on July 2 when officers searching for him in Keresley Village received intelligence that a car he had stolen earlier in the day was in the area.
They located the car and a 13-minute pursuit started during which Leese hit speeds of 95 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour area, rammed a police car, collided with a bus, jumped a red light and drove on the wrong side of the road.
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Hide AdThe pursuit ended when Leese’s car damaged a wheel and slowed down.
A police car made ‘tactical contact’ with the vehicle which brought it to a stop and set off the airbags. Leese was arrested following a short foot chase.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wolsey from Warwickshire Police said: “Leese was a dangerous one-man crime wave who has shown he won’t hesitate to use violence.
“The reduction of violent and acquisitive crime are priorities for Warwickshire Police and removing the likes of Leese from our streets will help us achieve this.”
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Hide AdTo report something you have seen or heard or to report a crim to Warwickshire Police, call 101 or go to the force’s website at: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/