Career Criminal Drove Stolen Car Hours After Darlington Burglary

A man drove a stolen car, and police spotted him in Darlington on September 15th of last year at 9:30 AM. The driver was identified as Michael Stewart, who is 35 years old. The stolen vehicle was a Volkswagen Up, and police were aware of its stolen status. An officer recognized Stewart, who then drove away from them.

The car had disappeared hours earlier, following a burglary at a house on Marlborough Drive at 4:30 AM. The burglar, wearing a balaclava, was recorded by security cameras stealing the car keys. The homeowner discovered the theft later upon waking.

Stewart appeared in Teesside Crown Court on Friday for a trial that was changed at the last minute. He admitted to two charges: handling stolen goods and driving while banned.

Police arrested Stewart on October 25th, sending him back to prison for violating his release terms, which were set to expire in 2026. The stolen car was recovered and returned to its owner.

The court learned about Stewart’s extensive criminal history, including handling stolen goods, shoplifting, and property damage in 2004. In 2007, he attempted a burglary, resulting in community service. In 2009, he committed robbery and served a 15-month prison sentence.

Between 2010 and 2013, Stewart committed further crimes, including burglary, theft, repeated shoplifting, and driving without a license or insurance. In 2015 and 2016, he received a suspended sentence for burglary and theft.

In 2016, a 38-week prison sentence was ordered for stolen goods. In 2020, he received a 22-month prison sentence and a nearly four-year driving ban for refusing a drug test, driving without a license, and burglary. In 2023, he received an additional 29 months for taking a car without permission, burglary, theft, and unlicensed driving without insurance.

His lawyer argued that drug use fueled his crimes, which began in his teens. After his 2023 release, he briefly stayed at a hostel in Leeds before being asked to leave and returning to Darlington.

Stewart registered as homeless, and a Darlington hostel offered him a bed, but required upfront payment. When his payment was delayed, he became homeless again, lacking support.

The judge addressed Stewart, stating that he clearly defied police attempts to stop him and prevented a drug test. Lacking a drug test, the judge said he couldn’t know if he was impaired. The judge also noted that he drove a stolen car soon after the burglary and likely knew the burglars, calling Stewart a career criminal.

The judge, at Holme House prison, sentenced Stewart to 16 months in jail and banned him from driving for one year.