Swansea Couple Jailed After Car Theft and Police Chase

A couple who stole a car from Swansea and led police on a dangerous chase 36 miles away have been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court 🚗⚖️

Andrew Williams, 42, and Bobbie Kittle, 34, broke into a home on Argyle Street on June 8, taking car keys from a table after the owner had left his front door unlocked.

The stolen Citroen DS4 was later spotted by a National Police Air Service helicopter in the Rhymney area. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle with a stinger, Williams tried to “reverse ram” the police car behind, “narrowly missed” it, and hit a tree before driving off.

The chase continued towards Rhymney High Street where another stinger was being set up, but before reaching it, Williams crashed into a fence. Both defendants were arrested at the scene.

As she was being arrested, Kittle told officers that the incident was going to appear in the media.

Both admitted burglary and aggravated vehicle taking. Williams also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, and driving with no insurance.

Defence counsel for Kittle, of Geiriol Road in Swansea, said she had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. “There appears to be very little planning about the incident,” Jon Tarrant said.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told Kittle: “The men you have associated with have dragged you into crime, but you have to take responsibility for what you do.”

Williams’ defence said “instability” in his life had “drawn him back” into offending. It was accepted that Williams, of Phoenix Way in Swansea, was on licence at the time.

Judge Thomas sentenced Williams to three-and-a-half years – 30 months for burglary and car theft, plus 12 months for driving offences. He was banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended re-test.

Kittle was jailed for two years.