Serial South Yorkshire car thief jailed for five years after crime spree
He admitted to 24 offences after a lengthy police investigation
A serial South Yorkshire car thief has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to a series of criminal offences, including theft, robbery and dangerous driving.
32 year old Shaun Booth, of no fixed abode, pled guilty to 24 offences following a lengthy investigation into his actions, which Judge Sarah Wright described as “appalling” and “thoroughly dishonest.”
Booth targeted victims, including stealing car keys at a supermarket by slipping his hand into a shopper’s pocket. His criminal behaviour extended to dangerous driving while in one of the vehicles he had taken.
During a police pursuit, Booth drove at excessive speeds and against oncoming traffic. Judge Wright remarked that “only through sheer luck was nobody seriously harmed by his dangerous driving.”
He was sentenced during a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on January 23.
In addition to his prison term, Booth has been disqualified from driving for five years and 11 months.
Detective Constable Alexandra Owen of South Yorkshire Police said:
“Booth committed offence after offence with absolutely no regard for the impact it would have on his victims and their loved ones, as well as the wider general public.”
“His offending was so prolific it spanned four separate cases, with dozens of investigations meticulously carried out by officers and detectives to ensure justice was served for his litany of crimes.”
“I want to thank victims for their cooperation and support, which undoubtedly aided our investigations into Booth. He will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars, and I hope this sentence reassures the public of our commitment to identifying those who are causing harm in our communities and bringing them to justice.”
Two co-defendants were also sentenced at the same hearing for their involvement in Booth’s crimes.
Yasmin Leech, 36, of Farrier Close, Doncaster, was handed a one-year community order after helping Booth attempt to steal cars from a dealership.
Kerry Hickey, 32, of Beckett Road, Doncaster, received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for her role in a car robbery alongside Booth.