A Birmingham thief has been sentenced to seven years in prison after stealing an e-scooter and attempting to pay for it with counterfeit money, with police later discovering a taser at his home.
Incident Details
Duane Thomas, 37, arranged to meet an e-scooter seller in Shawbury Grove on August 17 last year. Upon arrival, he tried to pay with fake banknotes, prompting the victim to attempt to leave quickly. However, Thomas forcibly took the electric scooter and fled the scene.
Police Investigation
West Midlands Police raided Thomas's home the following day, recovering counterfeit money and a taser. Thomas, of College Road, Hall Green, was arrested and charged.
He pleaded guilty to theft, possession of counterfeit money, possession of a disguised firearm, and possession of a firearm.
Court Sentencing
At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, April 24, Thomas was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "A man has been jailed after stealing an e-scooter in Birmingham. Duane Thomas has been jailed after he arranged to meet up with a seller of an e-scooter on August 17 last year. However, the 37-year-old tried to pay with counterfeit money, which prompted the seller to try and leave the location on Shawbury Grove. Thomas was insistent and instead took the e-scooter and left."
The spokesperson added: "We were called and following enquiries from our Neighbourhood Crime Team in Birmingham, Thomas was arrested from his home address the next day. After searches were carried out at the address on College Road, officers recovered counterfeit money and a taser."
Thomas pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for seven years at Birmingham Crown Court.
