A YOUNG MAN from Dagenham has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after committing a string of offences in connection with the theft of a scooter.
Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Abderrahman Hassan, 20, of Reede Gardens, Dagenham, admitted: •taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent; •handling stolen goods; •driving whilst disqualified; •driving without insurance; •driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence; •possession of a Class A drug (cocaine). As well as the prison sentence, Hassan was also disqualified from driving for four years, was made the subject of a Youth Referral Order and was fined £115.
Hassan was spotted by police on the evening of 17th May – riding a scooter erratically in Norfolk Crescent, W2. The police realised that this was a stolen scooter and tried to stop Hassan – who rode away. Officers managed to use a DNA tagging spray before he got away – which helped them confirm his identity when they caught up with him shortly afterwards.
Detective Superintendent Jess Ruddell of Westminster Borough said, “Hassan has been caught through the diligence and tenacity of officers who will leave no stone unturned in bringing any of these riders to justice, no matter how big or small their offence. Our DNA spray is a very effective tactic in evidentially linking offenders to these crimes and its worth has been proven yet again.
“This arrest is another example of the Met’s commitment to keeping the public safe and making the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters and then use them for other crimes.”
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