A father prioritizes his son’s care after a theft leaves him with severe injuries, missing the court sentencing.
Cole was thrown from the back of their van and suffered terrible injuries. He is barely responsive after six months in the hospital and has had 14 brain surgeries so far. He is “fighting for his life” and cannot do basic things anymore.
The three men drove from Liverpool to Southport in a white van on July 19 around 7:45 PM. They drove by Cole’s house several times before going into the driveway at 8:20 PM.
They put the £8,000 motorbike in the van. Cole saw them and tried to stop them, falling off the back as they drove away fast with the van doors still open. Cole suffered a “catastrophic” brain injury.
He cannot talk, eat, or even drink well and remains in the hospital needing constant care. He has had 14 brain surgeries, with doctors planning a 15th soon. Part of his skull was removed to relieve pressure.
Cole also broke his neck and punctured a lung. His father, Andrew Moore, gave a statement saying Cole can’t do basic tasks. Before, Cole was at the start of his adult life.
He was a mechanic and had a job interview with Mercedes, his dream job. He was also a powerlifter and even taught himself guitar.
The attack changed everything. He’s sad, confused, and frustrated now. It’s heartbreaking for the whole family, who are full of grief, anger, and helplessness. The family had so many plans for the future.
Andrew stays by Cole’s side every day, watching him struggle to survive and seeing the missing part of Cole’s skull. Cole tries to smile at him, which is very difficult. Cole was active and social before, but now he’s stuck in a hospital bed.
Andrew didn’t attend the court, preferring to be with his son. He said no sentence can repair the damage done and trusts justice will prevent such pain again.
After the theft, Agatha took a taxi to McDonald’s. McLean and Tollitt met him there in the van, all caught on camera. Then, they returned to hide the bike, putting it back in the van before McLean and Tollitt drove off and Agatha left in another taxi.
Agatha, 23 years old, has previous convictions including aggravated vehicle taking and burglary. His lawyer said he fell in with the wrong crowd and appreciates the serious consequences now.
McLean, 20 years old, has convictions for drug driving. His lawyer said he knows he took Cole’s life away and is remorseful for his actions.
Tollitt, 24 years old, had prior arrests for cannabis possession and has ADHD. His lawyer said he finally seems to have grown up and got a job as a bricklayer recently.
All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Agatha was jailed for three years, Tollitt got four years and four months, and McLean received six years and eight months.
McLean also admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Judge Simon Medland KC gave the sentences.
The judge said they stole the bike with determination and tried to stop Cole from getting it back. Cole was fighting for his life when they acted. Cole’s life is crushed, said the judge, and he is at risk of dying, caused by the three men stealing his bike.
McLean is banned from driving and must pass an extended retest later. A police inspector called it a shocking incident causing life-changing injuries and hopes the sentence helps Cole recover.