Leon Robinson laughed and egged on accomplice Mark Gary Carroll as they were pursued by officers after trying to steal vital equipment from a farm in May.The Hartlepool pair started the pursuit after being disturbed trying to take a Polaris ATV vehicle from a farm building in Barnard Castle.A resourceful neighbour quickly circulated their van’s details on the rural community’s Rural Watch Whatsapp group and reported them to the police.Sign up to our daily newsletterThe i newsletter cut through the noise Bungling Hartlepool burglars Leon Robinson, left, and Mark Carroll.Officers then pursued the vehicle and, despite being rammed, were able to intercept the van.The farmer’s vehicle was also recovered.At Durham Crown Court both Carroll, 33, of Kesteven Road, and Robinson, 32, of South Road, were sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay £156 compensation to the farmer.Carroll, who was driving the getaway van, was also banned from driving for 22 months.Mark Carroll is also behind bars for 20 months.Both pleaded guilty to burglary and failing to surrender to custody.Carroll also admitted driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and driving without insurance. Detective Sergeant Sarah Hindmarsh, of Durham Constabulary CID, hoped “this result deters others who think they can…
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