Teen jailed after stealing Mitsubishi Evo in Cheltenham

Anthony ‘AJ’ Maher, 19 and formerly of Evesham Road in Norton, was sentenced to two years for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

Maher stole a black Mitsubishi Evo from a car park on Shakespeare Road, Cheltenham, on Friday January 22, 2021.

A tracker fitted to the car was used to follow Maher as he headed to Bishops Cleeve where he failed to stop for police.

Officers requested support from the National Police Air Service and Maher was followed to Millham Lane before a stinger was deployed.

At this point Maher mounted and drove along a footpath within a housing estate in a bid to evade officers, narrowly missing one pedestrian before colliding with a second.

Maher and one other person fled from the car and did not attempt to check on the injured pedestrian who was trapped under the car.

He was traced to a nearby address and arrested on suspicion of failing to stop and dangerous driving. The passenger who ran was tracked by NPAS, directing officers who arrested them.

Three men were arrested within the house and fourth on the street after being followed by a police helicopter.

All four were interviewed and released under investigation whilst officers conducted further enquiries, which included digital technologies and forensic analysis.

A number of mobile phones were seized from the group and one showed a video of Maher driving the stolen car.

The stolen Mitsubishi Evo

The man run over by Maher, who doesn’t wish to be named, was left bed bound for four months after sustaining serious leg and foot injuries.

In a statement he said: "This experience was very traumatic and left me unable to walk for three months.

"I had a few months of flashbacks and difficulty sleeping. I was stuck in Gloucester Royal Hospital for 10 days waiting for surgery during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, not allowed visitors.

"I have tried to remain positive and focus on recovery. I hope the young man that caused my injuries can get the right help and guidance to be rehabilitated and have a better future."

Maher had been wanted since January of this year (2022) and was located by officers on Wednesday, May 18.

He appeared at Cheltenham Magistrate's Court the following day and pleaded guilty to the offences.

Investigating officer PC Damian Brogan said: "Maher posed a significant risk of harm to the public due to his reckless and selfish behaviour.

"His actions alone resulted in an innocent member of the public receiving serious injuries, that affect them to this day.

"Maher tried to evade capture but was unsuccessful, demonstrating the forces commitment to keeping the public safe and bringing offenders to justice."

Maher, now of Whaddon Road in Cheltenham, was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, June 16.

He will serve one year in custody before being released on license for the second.

Upon release from prison he will be disqualified from driving for three years.