Driver set own car alight in Oldbury to destroy evidence
A man set fire to his own car after it had been involved in a road accident in an attempt to destroy evidence, a court heard.
Christopher Rose was spotted by an off-duty police officer, climbing over the wall of the Oldbury garage where the car was being stored at 7.30am on July 2 this year.
Wolverhampton Crown Court was told the Rover vehicle had been taken to Star Autos by police following a collision the previous evening.
The court heard that Rose, 25, had told the officer: "I haven't done anything."
He had a hooded top under one arm and wrapped in it was the steering wheel of the vehicle which he had removed, the court heard.
Rose, of Heathfield Close, Old Hill, had then made off but was arrested later.
The car was found to have been set on fire.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice during the hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
He also admitted a charge of dangerous driving which had taken place on July 7 – while he was on bail for the earlier offence.
The court was told that Rose had led police on a chase along roads across the Sandwell area cutting up cars and even going through a red light.
The pursuit had ended when the vehicle being driven by Rose collided with a taxi.
A girl passenger in the taxi travelling home from school suffered minor injuries in the smash.
Rose was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment for perverting the course of justice charge and 12 months for the dangerous driving to be served consecutively.
Mrs Blondelle Thompson, defending, said: "All of these incidents are related to my client's drug addiction.
"He is working to address that," she added.
