Car thief caught red handed after targeting rural community

A prolific offender has been remanded after trying to target our rural community.

Thomas Beeston stole a car from outside a house in Cockfield in the early hours of January 14.

He was pursued by Roads Policing Officers and the police helicopter for around 25 minutes before dumping the car in Gilesgate, Durham, and trying to make off.

Beeston, of Bruce Glazier Terrace, Shotton Colliery, cut through a garden and tried to hide in an alleyway but was hunted out and arrested on suspicion of theft of a motorvehicle.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to the theft, along with several other driving offences, when he appeared at Durham Crown Court on Saturday.