Thief stole Stormtrooper from Leeds city centre store

A court heard how Liam McDonagh was caught on CCTV picking up the four foot Star Wars figure from a display and lifting it over a barrier before walking out of the Game store in Leeds city centre on November 12 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard the Stormtrooper was thought to be worth around £150. McDonagh was also filmed stealing razor blades from a display in a Boots store on November 5.

Officers went to arrest him at a house on Bellbrooke, Harehills, Leeds, on November 20 where he was hiding under a bed. He lashed out at one officer who tried to put handcuffs on him and managed to flee the property but was caught after a short chase.

McDonagh was released on bail but stole electrical items from a store on Vicar Lane on December 2.

On January 21 this year he was seen driving a Nissan Primera in Harehills. Police were immediately concerned as the front of the vehicle was badly damaged.

McDonagh refused to stop and jumped from the vehicle as it was still moving. The car rolled into a garden wall on Coldcotes Avenue.

McDonagh, 18, of Trafford Avenue, Harehills, pleaded guilty to three offences of theft, obstructing a police officer, dangerous driving, having no insurance, failing to stop and driving while disqualified. The court heard he has a criminal record dating back to when he was aged 13 for offences including robbery, burglary and witness intimidation.

McDonagh was sent to a young offenders institution for nine months. Recorder David Gordon said: “You have an awful record. You have been coming before the court for a long time now, since you were a little boy really.

“You are still only young and it is a matter for you what you are going to do for the rest of your life.”