A courageous delivery driver who bravely resisted a violent attempt to steal her van in Gravesend has seen her attacker brought to justice. Shaun Mitchell, from Gravesend, was sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, April 29th, after pleading guilty to robbery.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of November 30th, 2024, in Ingoldsby Road. The victim, whose name has not been released, had just returned to her vehicle after delivering a parcel when she was accosted by Mitchell.
The court heard how Mitchell grabbed the driver’s clothing, forcibly dragged her from the van, and threw her to the ground. He then entered the vehicle and attempted to start it. When the engine failed to ignite, the quick-thinking victim reached inside and removed the ignition key before fleeing to a nearby residence for safety.
Frustrated in his attempt to steal the van, Mitchell then grabbed several parcels from the passenger seat before fleeing the scene on foot.
Following the incident, police were alerted and launched an investigation. Crucially, CCTV footage from the area clearly captured Mitchell’s face, aiding officers in their pursuit.
Mitchell was eventually tracked down and arrested on January 8th, 2025. At the time of his arrest, officers also recovered the white hooded top he was wearing during the commission of the crime. He was later positively identified in an identification procedure and subsequently charged with robbery.
The sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court brings to a close a case highlighting both the vulnerability of delivery drivers and the bravery of this particular victim in the face of a violent crime.
Detective Constable Andrew Saunders, of north Kent CID, said:
‘Mitchell is a violent and cowardly bully who thought he could steal a van full of parcels by assaulting the woman driver. He was foiled by the tenacious victim who saw her chance to grab the vehicle keys when the engine did not initially start up. She should be commended for her brave actions.
‘Once we had recovered CCTV footage that allowed us to identify him, it was only a matter of time before he was arrested and brought to justice. Gravesend will be a safer place in his absence.’