Man Jailed After Stealing Ambulance with Patient Inside from Royal Derby Hospital

A 31-year-old man, Marshall Leese, has received a six-year prison sentence following the theft of an ambulance that had a patient inside. The incident occurred outside the Royal Derby Hospital on 12th February. Leese was convicted of aggravated vehicle taking and two counts of assault.

The stolen ambulance was pursued by police across Derbyshire and into Staffordshire. During the pursuit, Leese drove dangerously, colliding with two police vehicles before being apprehended in Uttoxeter.

Derbyshire Police confirmed that the patient, who remained in the back of the ambulance throughout the ordeal, was unharmed. Leese also assaulted a paramedic during the incident.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services and the risks personnel encounter in their duties, with individuals disrupting vital public services for their own ends.