Moped mugger who snatched 21 phones in an hour caught after dramatic police chase

An audacious moped mugger who snatched 21 phones in an hour was caught following a dramatic police chase through a bustling market. Cavell Hutson narrowly avoided hitting dozens of shoppers and was arrested minutes later after fleeing into the Kingsland Shopping Centre in Dalston, north east London.



The 21-year-old, of Highbury New Park, was jailed on Monday for the phone-snatching blitz across five boroughs on September 3. A Met helicopter captured the 20-minute pursuit on camera. Hutson and his accomplice, who is still at large, was seen weaving through crowds in Ridley Road Market as people jumped out of the way.



Hutson pleaded guilty to all 21 thefts when he appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court on Monday. He also admitted dangerous driving and was jailed for a combined 40 months. Det Ch Insp Steve Heatley, of Islington police, said Hutson had “no concept of public safety” as he attempted his getaway. He said: “They were driving so fast through the shopping area, but luckily no one was hit.


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“They abandoned the moped and made off in different directions but he didn’t get too far.” Hutson and his partner in crime had stolen 10 phones from Camden, five from Westminster, three from Islington, two from Hackney and one from Tower Hamlets. The devices have all since been returned to their owners. Hutson received 32 months for the phone snatches, eight months for dangerous driving and a £700 fine for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.