News, Manchester
Greater Manchester PoliceA car thief who killed the owner of a Land Rover as he tried to stop his vehicle being stolen has been jailed
Marvin Sutton, 35, of Manchester broke into Christopher Hanley’s vehicle outside his home in Beswick on 16 March 2024.
Mr Hanley, 57, described by his family as a “proud grandad”, tried to stop Sutton but was thrown off the vehicle as it drove away and died after suffering fatal head injuries.
Sutton pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed for ten years and six months, while Charlene Thomas, 37, of Manchester, was convicted of theft and was jailed for three years and three months.
Det Chf Insp Rachel Smith of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the thieves’ “selfish and irresponsible actions” caused Mr Hanley to lose his life “while trying to defend his own property”.
He said: “Today’s sentences reflect the calculated and cruel nature of their crime and whilst no sentence can bring Chris back, I hope this outcome is able to provide some small comfort to all those that knew and loved him.”
Family photographThe pair had conspired to steal the 4×4 earlier that same day, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
The stolen Land Rover was found by detectives the next day, with evidence someone had tried to set the vehicle on fire.
In a tribute, Mr Hanley’s family said: “His grandchildren were his whole world, but he was robbed of the chance to watch them grow up and experience their own life milestones.
“He was our rock, he was a supportive, caring, kind and loving man. He had a great sense of humour; he was always poking fun at others and himself.
“His loss has left us with a huge hole in our lives, and he will never be forgotten.”
GMP has confirmed that Thomas was also sentenced to 21 months for robbery over an unrelated offence from 2022, meaning she was jailed for a total of five years.
