Worker stole Ford Ranger belonging to boss reaching 115mph on A46 in Coventry

A man who stole his boss' pickup truck while they were away together on a work trip and drove at speeds of 115mph has been jailed. Darrell Duddin was involved in a high-speed pursuit on the A46 in Coventry.

Duddin was staying with colleagues at a property in Reading when he took the keys to a Ford Ranger and climbed out of a bedroom window on October 22, 2024. Police said the 29-year-old sped off when they tried to stop him on the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass.

Officers said Duddin failed to stop when requested and carried on along the A46. What followed was a pursuit into Leicestershire along the M69, where Duddin reached speeds of 115mph.

READ MORE: Coventry man named and charged after two women 'attacked'

He drove around Leicester at 'dangerous' speeds and failed to stop for several red lights before travelling onto the M1. At the next junction, the 29-year-old left the motorway and drove onto the A46 towards Nottinghamshire.

Duddin had been staying in Reading
Duddin had been staying in Reading -Credit:Lincolnshire Police

Police tried to box him in on the A46, but Duddin swerved across the carriageway while maintaining speeds in excess of 100mph. He then repeatedly rammed into one of the pursuit cars, causing it to leave the road.

ADVERTISEMENT

Duddin continued at speeds of around 100mph along the A46 while being tracked by the National Police Air Service (NPAS). Officers then deployed a stinger, which deflated at least one of the tyres of the Ford Ranger.

He continued driving, leaving a trail of sparks and chunks of metal behind, and headed towards Lincolnshire. Officers then surrounded the Ford Ranger, leaving Duddin with 'nowhere to go.'

Police stopped the Ford Ranger in Lincolnshire
Police stopped the Ford Ranger in Lincolnshire -Credit:Lincolnshire Police

Duddin tried to flee on foot and ran into the opposite carriageway, where he was arrested. He was also found to be in possession of a knife, Lincolnshire Police said.

Duddin, of Beech Court, Lincoln, was charged with dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, possessing a knife in a public place, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

ADVERTISEMENT

Inspector Jason Baxter said: “Safety is our first priority, and all forces will consider the tactics available to them with safety in mind. I am very relieved that no one was seriously injured through Duddins complete disregard for safety.

“He drove dangerously at excessive speeds, intentionally ramming two police cars and putting road users and officers at risk. We were able to bring an exceptionally dangerous and disqualified driver to a halt. It truly was a cross-border operation and shows there are no boundaries in policing.”

Sign up for our FREE daily newsletter here for all the latest news about Coventry.