Pair Sentenced for Stealing Animal Ambulance, Ramming Corner Shop

Two men have been sentenced for their involvement in the theft of a veterinary ambulance and its subsequent use in a raid on a corner shop. Bailey Omar, 23, and Dillyn Sherrington, 19, were given custodial sentences and driving disqualifications.

The incident occurred on July 1, when the pair stole the approximately £20,000 emergency vehicle from a car wash in Newcastle. The ambulance, owned by veterinary practice Blythman & Partners, is used to transport sick and injured animals.

The following morning, Omar and Sherrington used the stolen vehicle as a battering ram to break into a shop. CCTV footage captured the repeated impact of the ambulance against the premises, causing extensive damage estimated at over £20,000. The animal ambulance itself was also severely damaged and deemed a write-off.

Omar and Sherrington pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal damage, and aggravated vehicle taking. Sherrington also admitted to possession of a Class B controlled drug.

At Newcastle Crown Court on September 18, Omar was sentenced to 38 months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years and 11 months. Sherrington received a 30-month sentence in a young offenders institution and a driving ban of two years and nine months. Both were also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.

The veterinary practice has since replaced the specialized vehicle, but incurred costs due to the loss of the ambulance.