A RECKLESS car thief from Tameside who has been handed two years behind bars was arrested while he was washing the dishes.
Dominic Baker drove at speeds of over 70mph in 30mph zones through red traffic lights when pursued by the police.
At around 4.20am on January 18, 2025, the 21-year-old – of no fixed abode – stole a Toyota Prius parked on Hyde Road in Gorton.
Police located the vehicle around 90 minutes later travelling along Crookilley Way in Stockport, where it was followed along the M60. It came off at Junction 24 at Denton Island and headed towards Manchester along Hyde Road.
It was then that Baker failed to stop for officers and exceeded 70mph as he was pursued around North Reddish and Gorton.
The vehicle was stung twice before crashing on Mount Road, where Baker made off but he was found in a nearby address and arrested.
Baker pleaded guilty to a range of crimes including the theft of a motor vehicle, driving dangerously, driving without a licence, possession of a class A drug, and the theft of three pedal bikes between September and November 2024.
At Manchester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison and was disqualified from driving for 24 months, with an extended retest required.
Detective Constable James Maskrey, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This result shows how we can catch offenders utilising the various resources we have, such as specialist drivers, and our helicopter team.
“Communities should not have to put up with criminals taking their vehicles and driving dangerously through the streets where they live.
“Anyone thinking about engaging in criminal activity should think twice, we will catch you and you will be held responsible.”