Clacton: Drunk Ambulance Car Thief Jailed

A drunk who stole an ambulance response car in Clacton to get home after a New Year's Eve party has been jailed for nine months.

Daniel Glover, 26, from Mile End, east London, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, drink driving, driving without insurance and obstructing a police officer, when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Glover claimed he did not realise it was an ambulance vehicle when he took it - despite it being marked up and having blue lights on top.

He was only stopped when police deployed a stinger device to puncture the tyres and he then threatened to break an officer's nose.

Jailing him, Judge Anthony Goldstaub said: "You stole this vehicle on a night of the year when the need for it to preserve life and help the ill and injured was at its greatest."

Prosecutor Michael Fraser told the court that a police officer on patrol spotted the vehicle pulling on to the A12 at the Witham turning heading towards London.

A message had been sent out alerting officers after the Honda Accord was reported stolen.

He said: "He drove at speeds of up to 120mph and consistently over 100mph.

"At intervals the blue lights were flashing and he straddled the lanes in a careless manner."

Glover was found to be twice the legal drink-drive limit. He has also been disqualified from driving for 18 months.