Police warning after man left delivery driver unconscious after stealing his van and leading officers on pursuit

Police have issued a warning to others after a disqualified driver who left a delivery man unconscious after stealing his van was put back behind bars.

As reported in the Echo, Anthony Newall received a 64-month jail term in January 2020 after targeting the delivery driver and making off with his van.

His victim, who had climbed on the bonnet to try and stop the theft, was sent tumbling to the ground as the vehicle sped off – hitting his head on the curb.

The incident in Northumberland left the delivery driver with life-threatening injuries and he had to be put in a medically-induced coma.

Following his release from prison and while still banned from the road as part of his sentence, Newall was spotted by police behind the wheel of a van on Chester Road in Sunderland on April 6, 2024.

The 36-year-old failed to pull over when instructed by officers, instead driving on the wrong side of the road and jumping red lights - reaching speeds of 55mph in a 30mph limit.

He was swiftly detained by officers, and on Wednesday, May 8, Newall was back in the Newcastle Crown Court dock where he admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Newall, of Sunderland Street, Houghton, was jailed for 16 months and handed a 32-month driving ban. He was also told he will serve the remainder of the 64-month term he received in 2020.

Chief Inspector Alan Pitchford, of Northumbria Police, said: “Anthony Newall is a prolific offender who has been a drain on police resources for some time.

“Despite serving a significant sentence for the appalling incident in 2020 which left a delivery driver seriously injured, upon release Newall decided to flout the law again and get behind the wheel of a car despite being banned.

“Thankfully, he was spotted by our officers – and following a short pursuit, he was expertly stopped and placed under arrest.

“He now faces a long period of time in jail, serving time not only for this crime but also the remainder of the sentence he received four years ago.

“Our roads are not racetracks and the law is not optional. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure disqualified drivers, who endanger the lives of others, continue to be put behind bars.”

Anyone who has dashcam footage of a dangerous driver can upload it directly to Northumbria Police’s website by visiting https://www.northumbria.police.uk/police-forces/northumbria-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/submit-your-dashcam-footage/.