Drunk Car Thief Jailed

A man who broke into a house and stole a car in Bournemouth is behind bars after being found guilty.

David Ashley Mitchell, who's 27 and from Bournemouth, entered the property on Lonsdale Road on Monday 18 February 2013 via the front door, stole car keys from inside and drove off in a Honda Civic which was parked on the driveway.

A short time later Mitchell crashed the vehicle and was arrested by officers.

He later received a two-year prison sentence for burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving with excess alcohol, and driving while disqualified with no insurance.

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey, of Bournemouth and Poole Priority Crime Team, said:

“This was an extremely serious crime.

“Having committed a burglary and stolen a set of car keys, Mitchell took the vehicle belonging to the homeowner while intoxicated and disqualified.

“In doing this, he showed a distinct lack of respect for the law, and put himself as well as other road users at significant risk.

“The offences were taken very seriously by the Crown Court as this sentence illustrates.

“I hope this sends out a strong message to others that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."