Plymouth man jailed after stolen van crashes into church barriers

Driver Jailed After Van Crashes Into Plymouth Church Barriers

On 16 October, at Plymouth Crown Court, 29-year-old Reece Rowe, of Lisson Grove, Plymouth, was jailed and banned from driving after crashing a stolen delivery van into barriers surrounding the derelict Charles Cross church in Plymouth.

Rowe admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. The court heard that he got into a delivery van that had its keys inside before driving it through the city. During the incident, he reached speeds of 61mph on roads limited to 30mph.

Dangerous Driving Through Plymouth Streets

According to evidence heard at Plymouth Crown Court, Rowe drove on the wrong side of the road, went through red traffic lights, and mounted pavements as police pursued him. He struck other vehicles with the stolen van before it came to rest perched over the lip of the barrier surrounding the historic, now derelict, Charles Cross church.

Police arrested Rowe after the van stopped at the church barriers. The court was told that no one was injured during the incident despite the dangerous manner of driving and the collisions with other vehicles.

Court Sentencing and Prior Convictions

The judge, recorder Tim Kenefick, said Rowe was trying to get away from police at the time and was driving dangerously while impeded by alcohol. The court also heard that Rowe had 19 previous convictions for 42 offences, including dangerous driving offences in 2017, 2019, and 2024.

For the offences related to the stolen van and the driving incident in Plymouth, Rowe received a custodial sentence of 16 months. He was also banned from driving for 20 months as part of the outcome of the case.

Statements Heard in Court

Defence barrister Rupert Taylor told the court that Rowe was in a considerable state due to drug and alcohol addictions and that he had been arrested by police three times before this incident. Taylor also stated in court that it was fortunate no one was injured as a result of Rowe's driving.

Addressing the court, Rowe described his own driving as "awful, really bad" and said he was ashamed of what he had done.