A thief from Hatfield has been sentenced to nine months in prison after being arrested for multiple offences, including possession of a knife and drugs.

James Gibson, 38, of Link Walk, Hatfield, appeared at Hatfield Magistrate's Court on Monday, April 29.

He pleaded guilty to theft of a vehicle, possession of a knife, theft of a bicycle, possession of heroin, possession of cannabis, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The stolen BMW keys found in Gibson's vehicleThe stolen BMW keys found in Gibson's vehicle (Image: Herts Police)

Gibson was spotted by the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) while he was driving.

His vehicle mounted the kerb in Manor Parade, and police chased him on foot briefly before he was arrested.

A search of his vehicle uncovered a knife, heroin and a key to a BMW.

Officers were aware of a BMW that had been stolen from Cunningham Avenue earlier in the day and carried out enquiries. CCTV showed Gibson stealing the vehicle.

PCSOs from the NPT carried out a search and found the stolen BMW in Dragon Road.

Further CCTV enquiries uncovered Gibson dropping the vehicle off and then fleeing the scene on a stolen bicycle.

Welwyn Hatfield NPT Inspector Amy Sheldon said: “I hope the public are reassured by the quick actions of officers, which has resulted in this offender being quickly arrested and a stolen vehicle getting returned to its rightful owner.

READ MORE

"This was a real team effort with police officers, PCSOs and detectives all involved in bringing Gibson to justice within twenty-four hours.

"As well as the custodial sentence, Gibson must pay £489 in costs to the court.

"We are committed to making sure Welwyn Hatfield is a safe place and we will continue working hard to find criminals and bring them to justice."