Man jailed for violent attempt to steal van from female delivery driver in Gravesend
The driver pulled the keys out of the van and ran to a nearby property
A courageous delivery driver who thwarted a violent attempt to steal her van in Gravesend has seen the offender jailed.
During the afternoon of 30 November 2024, the victim got into her vehicle after taking a parcel to an address in Ingoldsby Road.
She was approached by Shaun Mitchell who took hold of her clothing and dragged her out of the driver’s seat before throwing her to the floor.
He then got into the van and turned the ignition key. When the engine did not start the victim reached in and pulled out the key before fleeing to a nearby house.
Parcels stolen
Mitchell then took some parcels from the passenger seat and left the scene on foot.
The police were called and investigators seized CCTV footage that clearly showed the villain’s face.
Mitchell, of Thistle Road, Gravesend, was tracked down and arrested on 8 January 2025. Officers also seized the white hooded top he had been wearing when he committed the offence.
He was later selected in an identification procedure and was charged with robbery.
Guilty plea
Mitchell pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court and on Tuesday 29 April, the 48 year old was sentenced to three years and two months' imprisonment.
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."