A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after stealing a dumper truck and driving it into a house with three people inside, a court has heard.
Incident details
Dean Walker, 54, of no fixed address, took the vehicle from R&R Plant in Madeley on Sunday, September 14 last year, before driving it to Mullinder Drive in Ketley, Telford, Shropshire. He crashed the vehicle into a property while under the influence of cocaine, causing structural damage so severe that the occupants were forced to move out.
Arrest and charges
Walker was arrested a few days later on Thursday, September 18. He was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage with intent to endanger life, and burglary. At a trial last year, a jury found him guilty of damaging property and being reckless as to whether life was endangered. He had already pleaded guilty to theft, dangerous driving, and criminal damage.
Previous offences
During the hearing, Walker was also sentenced for previous offences unrelated to the September 2025 incident, including three counts of arson, one count of actual bodily harm, four counts of shoplifting, and one count of burglary.
Sentence
On Monday, June 15, at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Walker received an eight-year prison sentence, a 10-year restraining order against his ex-partner, and a 100-month driving ban.
Police statement
Detective Constable Becky Jasper said: "The actions of Walker that day were extremely dangerous and utterly reckless, and put the lives of three people at serious risk when he intentionally drove a stolen dumper truck into their home. It is only by luck that no one was seriously injured.
"This was a shocking incident that caused significant damage and left a family unable to return to their home. His behaviour showed a complete disregard for the safety of others, and the court’s decision reflects the seriousness of what he did.
"I want to thank the members of the public who came forward with information and the officers who worked hard to identify and arrest Walker. This sentence sends a clear message that violent and destructive behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities."
