A Maidstone man who repeatedly stole fuel from local petrol stations endangered a young child and other passengers when his reckless attempt to evade police ended with him crashing into a lamppost.
James Dunn, 47, from Maidstone, was spotted by patrols on Old Tovil Road on October 4, 2024, driving his Vauxhall Astra. Dunn had been linked to at least nine fuel thefts across Maidstone, Paddock Wood, Staplehurst, Aylesford, and East Peckham since late July, not only filling his car but also large containers in the boot.
When officers activated their lights and sirens, Dunn initially fled on foot. However, after being ordered to the ground, he returned to his vehicle and reversed at high speed, colliding with a lamppost. Shockingly, Dunn was carrying a woman and a young child at the time.
Undeterred, he continued his escape, reversing into a Ford Fiesta with such force that it was lifted into the air. Dunn then attempted to flee on foot again but was apprehended by a pursuing officer on Church Road.
A subsequent search of Dunn’s vehicle uncovered two knives, petrol containers, and a black balaclava.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Dunn admitted to nine counts of making off without payment, as well as dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, and going equipped for theft. On May 8, 2025, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years.
Detective Inspector Tristan Stevens condemned Dunn’s actions, stating,
‘Dunn’s thefts were both brazen and premeditated and our evidence clearly proved he had been repeatedly stealing fuel for at least two months.
‘When our officers recognised him his reactions to try and avoid arrest were not only utterly reckless but could have easily caused serious harm to innocent bystanders.
‘The theft of fuel often directly impacts the livelihoods of individuals and small businesses and losses generally result in increased costs for law abiding consumers.
‘Dunn’s greed and contempt for the law have now rightly earned him a prison sentence.’