Cross-border thief jailed after crashing horse transporter during police chase

A cross-border thief who stole thousands of pounds worth of horse-riding and farming equipment during a series of rural raids has today (Monday) been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Rickie Foster, from Durham, took a red Honda quad bike from one farm near Reston.

But it was later found abandoned in the middle of the road after the owner was alerted to the disturbance in the early hours of the morning.

A blue Iveco horse box was then taken from another property nearby - but it sped off when police gave chase.

The hapless thief then crashed into a hedge and gate as he tried to make his escape - even driving into the middle of the road - and ended up losing control of the vehicle, causing it to land on its side.

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As well as stealing around £10,000 worth of equipment, in addition to the two vehicles, Foster also pled guilty to driving dangerously, and while disqualified, on the B6438 road near Reston.

All the offences took place on July the 15th this year.

Sheriff Peter Paterson warned the 31-year-old that raids like these on rural properties in our region had become "far too common".

And, in addition to the jail sentence, he also banned Foster from the road for 40 months.

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