Warrington Man Jailed for Car Theft and Threats

Warrington Man Jailed for Car Theft and Threats

Conviction and Sentence

Daniel Riley, a 39-year-old from Ulverston Avenue, Warrington, was sentenced to 26 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on 6 July. The sentencing followed his guilty plea to multiple charges, including aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, threats to kill, criminal damage, possession of class B drugs, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Riley was also handed a two-year driving ban and must complete an extended driving test before he can legally drive again. The court emphasized the severity of his actions, which endangered the life of the woman in the car and other road users.

Incident Overview

The incident began shortly before 11pm on Sunday 26 July 2025, when officers were called to a disturbance in the Densham Avenue area of Warrington. Upon arrival, the officers found Riley and another man outside the address.

Riley initially denied any involvement, claiming he had missed the disturbance. However, the other man reported that someone had come to his home and driven off in his Citroen C2 with a woman inside. Both the man and the woman were later returned to the scene, but the man refused to name the perpetrator.

Officers conducted urgent inquiries and discovered that Riley was the one who had taken the car. During the drive, Riley exceeded speed limits, reaching 70mph in residential areas, and made threats to the woman, stating he would “kill them both now.” The woman feared for her safety during the drive.

Arrest and Resistance

Based on the information provided, officers promptly arrested Riley. Upon being escorted to a police van, Riley denied any involvement, claiming he had been drinking and would not have driven. During the arrest, Riley was searched and found to be in possession of cannabis.

Riley refused further searches and became aggressive, threatening to harm the officers and even attempting to bite one of them. The three officers involved eventually neutralized the situation, calming Riley down and safely placing him in the police van.

Victims' Statements and Officer Response

In custody, Riley answered no comment to most questions but admitted to possessing cannabis and resisting arrest. Sergeant Michael Hayes of the Northern Area Investigation Team highlighted the urgency of the situation and the professionalism of the officers involved.

Hayes noted that Riley’s intimidating presence at the scene left the victims feeling unable to fully disclose what had happened. The officers’ calm approach allowed them to work with the victims, who were shaken by the ordeal, and obtain vital statements that led to Riley’s arrest and conviction.

Public Interest and Legal Implications

Riley’s actions not only endangered the woman in the car but also posed a risk to other road users and pedestrians. The court’s decision to impose a two-year driving ban and an extended driving test underscores the seriousness of his offenses.

Source and Verification

The information in this report is sourced from the Cheshire Police website, which detailed the incident, Riley’s sentencing, and the actions of the officers involved. The report provides a verified chronology of events, including the date of the incident, the charges brought against Riley, and the outcome of his trial. The source also includes statements from Sergeant Michael Hayes, offering insight into the officers’ response and the significance of the case.