Warrington man jailed for car theft and threats to kill

A 39-year-old man from Warrington, Daniel Riley, has been jailed for 26 months following a dangerous incident where he stole a car with a vulnerable woman inside and made threats to kill.

Riley, of Ulverston Avenue, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 6 July. He pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, threats to kill, criminal damage, possession of class B drugs, and assaulting an emergency worker.

The incident began shortly before 11pm on Sunday 26 July 2025, when officers were called to a disturbance in the Densham Avenue area of Warrington. Upon arrival, Riley and another man were found outside the address. Riley initially denied any involvement but later admitted to taking the car with a woman inside.

During the drive, which exceeded 70mph in residential areas, Riley made threats to kill the woman, saying he would "kill them both now." The woman was left fearing for her safety due to Riley's reckless driving.

Riley was arrested and searched, where officers found a quantity of cannabis on his person. He refused further search and became aggressive, threatening to harm the arresting officers. Despite this, the officers managed to neutralize the situation and safely place Riley in a police van.

During custody, Riley admitted to being in possession of cannabis and resisting arrest. Sergeant Michael Hayes, from the Northern Area Investigation Team, praised the officers for their professionalism during the incident.

"It was abundantly clear to the officers attending this incident that Riley's intimidating presence at the scene left both of the victims involved feeling unable to fully disclose what had happened to them that evening. Sensing this urgency of the situation, they remained calm and were able to work with both victims, who were understandably shaken up following their ordeal, and were able to attain statements from them that were vital in Riley's arrest and his subsequent conviction."

Riley will serve a two-year driving ban upon release and must complete an extended driving test before he is allowed back on the roads. Sergeant Hayes emphasized the seriousness of Riley's actions, stating: "As for Riley, he will be spending the next two years behind bars as a direct consequence of his actions. Not only did he endanger the life of the victim in the car at the time of the incident, but himself and other road users and pedestrians - it is a miracle that no one was harmed during his reckless rampage."

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