Burglars jailed after robbing Dudley store

2:12pm Monday 10th November 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

TWO prolific Black Country burglars who lead police on a 100mph chase after raiding a Dudley shop where they stole £5,000 worth of cigarettes have been put behind bars.

Graham Aulton and Jamie Clarke caused nearly £2,500 damage at Quality Foods in Vicarage Road before speeding off as police officers arrived on the scene.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Judge Sybil Thomas told them: "You both committed a planned and professional burglary on a small convenience store.

"That store serves a very valuable role in the community. It was not a large commercial organisation - it was run by a family".

Hugh O'Brien-Quinn prosecuting said Aulton was the driver and he went across the Birmingham New Road at 60mph as the traffic lights changed to red.

He then hit speeds of 100mph in Sedgley Road West and drove round bends at around 90mph in his bid to shake off the pursuing officers.

Police lost the car, said Mr O'Brien-Quinn but officers were able to recognise Aulton as his scarf slipped off his face while Clarke was identified from a bloodstain left at the scene of the raid.

Aulton 27 of Norbury Crescent, Lanesfield, Wolverhampton and 28 year old Clarke of Slatch House Road, Smethwick admitted burglary.

Aulton further admitted driving dangerously, while banned and without insurance and he was jailed for three years three months while Clarke was sent to prison for 18 months.

The court was told Aulton had seven previous convictions for dangerous driving, ten for driving while banned and other convictions for burglary. Clarke had five previous convictions for burglary.