51-year-old David Stephenson has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for a series of crimes including kidnapping and car theft.

Stephenson stole a vehicle with an 89-year-old blind woman with dementia inside, leading to a perilous situation.

Despite evading police initially, Stephenson was apprehended in Ashton-under-Lyne after a reckless driving spree.

The elderly victim was safely returned to her family due to the swift and effective response of the police officers involved.

The offender was charged with kidnapping, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, and driving without a license, reflecting the severity of his actions.