Marshall Leese, 32, has admitted to stealing an ambulance from outside Royal Stoke University Hospital while a patient was receiving treatment inside the vehicle. The incident, which occurred on March 25, 2026, ended without physical injury but led to multiple charges against the Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent resident.
How the Theft Unfolded
The ambulance was parked in a triage bay in 'run lock' mode, a setting that keeps the engine running while allowing paramedics to remove the ignition key. This feature is designed for quick response but also made the vehicle vulnerable. While a paramedic was attending to a patient in the back, Leese entered the driver's seat and drove away. However, in run lock mode, the engine automatically cuts out after a short period.
Leese abandoned the ambulance at an Esso petrol station on London Road in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. He then fled into nearby woodland but was quickly located by Police Dog Foxy and her handler. During the arrest, Leese was bitten on the hand after failing to comply with instructions.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Leese appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, where he pleaded guilty to four offences: aggravated taking a vehicle without consent, false imprisonment, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and driving without third party insurance. Initially, he denied the crimes, claiming he was cycling in the area looking for a friend when the police dog approached him. However, Staffordshire Police built a conclusive case, leading to his change of plea.
Detective Constable Lili Rose Gregory, from Staffordshire Police's criminal investigations department, stated: 'This incident could have ended very differently and I’m pleased that no one was hurt as a result of Leese’s actions. Despite his initial denial, we were able to build conclusive evidence to make sure that a conviction was secured in court today.'
Impact and Sentencing
The false imprisonment charge stems from the patient being inside the ambulance when Leese drove away. Although the patient was not physically harmed, the psychological impact and breach of trust are significant. Leese has been remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is yet to be scheduled.
Staffordshire Police released a statement highlighting the seriousness of the offence: 'A man who stole an ambulance with a patient in the back at Royal Stoke University Hospital has pleaded guilty in court... We gathered all of the evidence needed to charge him, which later led to Leese admitting all of the offences in court today.'
Community Reaction
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of emergency vehicles in run lock mode. Hospitals and ambulance services may review protocols to prevent similar incidents. The swift response by police, including the use of PD Foxy, ensured the suspect was apprehended quickly. Leese's sentencing date will be fixed by the court.
