Car key burglar locked up after leading police on chase

A burglar led police on a chase after he entered a family’s home and took the keys to their car before driving off in it.

Mark Gibson drove dangerously, reaching speeds of around 70mph in 30mph zones, as he desperately tried to evade capture after stealing a Nissan Qashqai from the driveway of a home in Green Mews, Bestwood.

The victim was alerted by an alarm going off. When he woke up, around 4.30am on Saturday 13 July, he saw his car had gone and called the police.

An officer spotted the Nissan in the Woodthorpe area, followed it, and activated his blue lights to try to get Gibson to stop but the 32-year-old continued to accelerate away.

At one point Gibson was driving on a metal rim after one of the Nissan’s tyres had shredded. The car was later found damaged and abandoned in the Aspley area.

Area searches were carried out which led to Gibson being arrested in the Bestwood area in connection with the incident. He was subsequently charged.

Gibson appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (23 August) where he pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, and dangerous driving.

He was jailed for four years and banned from driving for four years. Gibson must pass an extended driving re-test before he is eligible to drive again. 

Detective Constable Tom Lowe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“I hope the sentence handed down to Gibson will provide some comfort to the victims who were left shocked and distressed by his crimes.

“Preventing and reducing burglary and vehicle crime are among our highest priorities as a force and we will continue to work hard daily to keep people and their property safe.”