A thief was yesterday dubbed Britain’s most stupid crook after he was arrested for turning up to a magistrates court appearance – in a stolen car.
Richard Lauraitis, 29, stole the Vauxhall Corsa from a garage forecourt the night before he was due in court on other motoring matters.
He then used it to drive 30 miles to Yeovil, Somerset, where he was to appear charged with the theft of a Fod Focus.
Police knew Lauraitis was due to be there and went along as well – and arrested him for the theft of the Corsa.
Magistrates referred the case to Taunton Crown Court for sentencing because of Lauraitis’ extensive previous motoring and burglary convictions.
Rebecca Bradberry, prosecuting, said told the court stopped Lauraitis in a stolen Ford Focus at Membury services on the M4.
Judge David Ticehurst told Lauraitis: “To turn up for a magistrates court with a car you had stolen is crass and stupid and you were bound to be caught.”
He said the crook was going off the rails in “a fairly spectacular fashion” due to his drugs habit which led to his first conviction ten years ago.
He added: “Unless you deal with that, I have no doubt you will continue to be sent to court and to be sent to prison for longer and longer periods – you are not bright enough to get away with it.”
The judge heard that Lauraitis had a record of previous offences including aggravated vehicle taking and driving while disqualified.
He was a qualified forklift truck driver who had started an IT course while on remand in prison and hoped to go on to Open University.
Lauraitis, of Shepton Mallet, Somerset, admitted burglary, unlawful vehicle-taking, theft of a Vauxhall Corsa and driving while disqualified and was jailed for 15 months.
