Overview
- Darren Coffey, 41, from Sandwell, has been charged with dangerous driving, drink driving, aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage, failing to stop, and driving without a licence or insurance.
- West Midlands Police said they were alerted shortly before 5:40pm on November 8 as the earthmover crossed into Wolverhampton and later stopped it on New Road in Willenhall at 8:15pm.
- Officers reported that the vehicle tore up road surfaces and damaged street furniture as it moved along Bridgnorth Road, Compton Road West and the A4150 dual carriageway.
- Eyewitness video shows the machine ramming a Royal Mail lorry used as a blockade on Willenhall Road, with footage captured by pubgoer Charlene Harris corroborating the route.
- Coffey has been remanded in custody and was due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court, as police continue inquiries into the incident and the extent of damage.