Bristol thief hurt in police chase

A thief from Bristol gashed his arm when clambering over garden fences as he fled from police.

Jake Damsell, 19, and another man stole copper pipes and wires from Bristol Self Drive on Vale Lane, Bedminster.

Bristol magistrates heard they were spotted by a member of the public and police chased them towards Ilchester Road and Valley Road.

Damsell, of Greenditch Avenue, Hartcliffe, suffered a large gash on his arm in the chase, in which he and the other man managed to escape.

But police alerted local health centres to look out for a man with his injuries, and when Damsell went to Lewis Road surgery, police were called. He was then arrested. He later needed eight stitches at the BRI for the large gash on his arm.

Richard Nile, representing, said: "He was tempted to go out stealing due to a shortage of money. They got up to no good together and they admitted to stealing this copper and wire."

Damsell pleaded guilty to charges of theft and breaking and entering, and was fined £100, with £60 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.