A lot of people don’t like their boss, but one man in the UK decided to steal his boss’ Ford Ranger while they were on a work trip. Then he led police on a chase in the stolen pickup, was caught, and now faces a whole string of charges.
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According to Lincolnshire Police, 29-year-old Darrell Duddin stole his boss’ truck back in October while the two were in Reading on a work-related trip. Apparently, the trusting employer left his keys in the kitchen, so Duddin helped himself and climbed out of a window late at night, sneaking away.
Police tried pulling the Ford Ranger over for some reason, we assume a traffic violation but that’s not explained in the Lincolnshire Police press release, but Duddin wouldn’t stop for officers. A chase ensued with speeds climbing to over 115 mph.
Eventually, after the pursuit wound through four counties, police were able to box in the truck when it rammed into the back of a police car, bringing it to a halt. Duddin then tried running away on foot, but like so many criminals hadn’t been doing his cardio and so was quickly caught.
Duddin was sentenced in court on December 12 for dangerous and disqualified driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance, plus being in possession of a knife in a public place. Yes, that last charge is real in a nation where concern about assault knives and knife bans are also a thing (we’re not making that up). He’s now serving an 18 month sentence in prison.
Some Brits have thoughts about what they consider a light sentence, not because Duddin stole his employer’s vehicle or led police on a high-speed chase that could have killed innocents. No, they’re focused on the knife he had in his possession. We’re pretty sure a truck at high speeds can be just as deadly.
The big question we have is if Duddin has a job lined up for when he gets out of prison? Can you imagine telling prospective employers about stealing your boss’ truck?
Image via Lincolnshire Police