Smethwick man jailed for 12 years after Black Country car theft spree
Nathan Sutton convicted of multiple offences across Sandwell, Dudley, and Wolverhampton
A court has sentenced Nathan Sutton, a burglar involved in a series of car thefts across the Black Country, to 12 years in prison.
Operating primarily in Sandwell, Sutton and his accomplices targeted homes from 24th June to 22nd July, 2024, stealing car keys and vehicles, including locations in Dudley and Wolverhampton.
Incidents escalated in violence, as occupants were threatened with knives, resulting in some victims needing hospital treatment.
Identified by the Sandwell neighbourhood crime team as a principal offender, Sutton was arrested at the end of July 2024.
He faced conviction for 22 offences, spanning burglary, attempted burglary, theft, robbery, and attempted robbery. Sutton also admitted trying to escape lawful custody during a hospital assessment.
Sutton, residing on Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 6th July, receiving a 12-year jail term with a two-year extended licence.
Sergeant Chelsea Norris commented:
"This was a series of terrifying burglaries where the offenders broke into people's homes and threatened them with weapons in a place where people should feel the safest."
"The team immediately launched an investigation, reviewing hours of CCTV footage, and were able to identify Sutton as one of the main offenders."
"The victims were subjected to horrific attacks at their own homes, and I hope that this sentencing provides some sense of comfort following the ordeals they have been through."
Though Sutton has been convicted, the identities of other individuals involved remain unknown. Police encourage those with information to come forward, aiming for comprehensive justice.