A MAN who tried to steal scrap metal from an Ellesmere Port car dealership smashed into several cars while trying to flee the scene.

Craig Metcalfe was behind the wheel of a Ford Transit van when he smashed into four Mercedes-Benz cars at that brand's dealership in Cheshire Oaks, as police tried to arrest him and other scrap metal thief Tristan Asbery, 25, of Lymington Drive, Bradford.

The pair fled the van and ran across fields but were later located and detained.

At Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 25, both men appeared and pleaded guilty to stealing scrap metal from the Mercedes-Benz garage in Ellesmere Port.

Metcalfe, 40, of Stratton View, Bradford, also pleaded guilty to causing £3,000 of criminal damage.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said it was on November 23, 2022 when police received a call of suspicious activity near the garage.

Two men were seen attempting to steal £148 of scrap metal from the garage, and were later arrested.

In police interview, Asbery admitted taking three silver alloy wheels from a skip at the garage.

The court heard Metcalfe had no previous convictions and a pre-sentence report would be required for both defendants.

The pair were released on unconditional bail, to return for sentencing at Chester Magistrates Court on May 25.