A burglar was part of a gang that stole a car and used it to ram-raid a merchants' business in Scunthorpe. The culprit, Keelan Keenan, 20, from Davy Avenue, Scunthorpe, was identified through Ring doorbell footage captured when the red Vauxhall Astra was stolen. He was also recognised from CCTV at Scunthorpe General Hospital where he sought treatment for a leg injury sustained during the ram-raid.

Keenan confessed to a series of crimes, including assaulting police officers, burglary, and criminal damage when he appeared before Judge Richard Woolfall at Hull Crown Court. Prosecutor Harry Bradford detailed how a resident of Burton-upon-Stather was roused by police at 6am on August 11, 2023, with news that his car had been involved in a ram-raid at Humber Merchants in Scunthorpe.

Upon checking his property, the owner discovered an open window and missing keys. Footage from his Ring doorbell showed two men passing by at 1.30am, one of whom was dressed in grey shorts, a white T-shirt, a black gilet top, and a balaclava, reports . Mr Bradford explained how the stolen Vauxhall Astra was driven into a locked gate at the business, causing £500 worth of damage. The car was then reversed into a cage holding gas canisters, resulting in £1,000 worth of damage.

Additionally, a roller shutter was rammed, causing £3,000 worth of damage. Vans parked behind the roller shutter also suffered damage estimated at £1,000. CCTV footage from the depot confirmed Keenan as the driver of the red Vauxhall Astra. At 6:05am, police were alerted by Scunthorpe General Hospital that a damaged red Vauxhall Astra had been abandoned at the hospital's A&E entrance. Another unidentified man from the back seat then took control of the vehicle and drove off.

Keenan was identified as the individual who had initially driven the car to the hospital. He exited the vehicle and limped into A&E with visible bleeding from his leg, assisted by another passenger. The defendant received medical treatment for his injury at the hospital. The car was later discovered burnt out near Hempdyke Road in Scunthorpe. Mr Bradford stated that the car owner faced difficulties commuting to work without his vehicle. He also described it as "weird" having someone in his home while he slept.

The disruption to deliveries and additional costs incurred due to the damage were highlighted by the merchant's business. Keenan was subsequently arrested and questioned by the police. Mr Bradford revealed that on May 18 of the previous year, Keenan was involved in an incident where he damaged a police car wing mirror. Half an hour later, police received a report of a man entering a woman's home nearby and hiding in the loft, appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Mr Bradford added that three police officers sustained injuries and threats were made towards them during Keenan's arrest. He admitted to being on drugs and claimed he could not recall the incident.

Whilst out on bail, Keenan was implicated in an aggravated burglary involving a motorcycle at a couple's residence in Ashdown Drive, Scunthorpe. Armed with a machete, Keenan and an accomplice attempted to gain entry through a locked kitchen door. They smashed the door window in an attempt to unlock it from the inside, but were thwarted by the homeowner.

In a statement read by Mr Bradford, the terrified couple revealed they have since relocated due to their fears. The prosecutor disclosed that Keenan had a record of six convictions for 23 offences. Representing Keenan, Ella Fornsworth argued her client demonstrated immaturity. She noted he had made positive strides while awaiting sentencing in custody, including undertaking training.

Judge Richard Woolfall sentenced Keenan to a total of six years and four months in prison.