Injured Carer’s Frustration as Driver Remains Uncharged After Stolen Car Incident

Nineteen-year-old carer Freya Theobold sustained severe injuries when she was struck by an individual driving a stolen vehicle while visiting patients. The Wolverhampton university student suffered multiple spinal fractures, a broken leg, and required bowel reconstruction surgery. She is currently receiving continuous care at New Cross Hospital. Ms. Theobold expressed her anger that, despite an arrest following the September incident, the police investigation is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed. “In my head, that driver is still out there able to live their life whereas I struggle to sit up every day,” she said. “All I recall is being at work, and then being cut from the wreckage by firefighters.” Ms. Theobold was pursuing an adult nursing degree at the University of Wolverhampton and was employed by a care agency. On 30 September, while she and a colleague were visiting the homes of older patients, their vehicle was hit broadside by a stolen Land Rover Discovery. This vehicle had crossed the central reservation of Stafford Road in Oxley, Wolverhampton. The Land Rover Discovery had been stolen earlier that evening in Wednesbury. She has decided to postpone her university course until her condition improves, but stated she remains uncertain about her future. A spine operation could be the next medical procedure, but she fears whether she will be able to walk without assistance again. “Ideally the next step is to get me walking with a frame, but it might be that I start walking and I can’t tolerate the pain,” she said. “It’s so hard. For me, for the whole family.” Ms. Theobold added, “My little sister is essentially scared to come near me because she’s worried she’s going to hurt me and that’s not a normal thing as a family.” She further commented, “Hit and runs are a common thing. It could happen 10 times worse, someone could die and essentially the police haven’t done enough to support me and my family or anyone else that it’s happened to.” An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and dangerous driving in the days following the collision and subsequently released on bail. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police stated that the investigation continues and that the force is in regular contact with the victim’s family, based on their wishes. The force’s thoughts were with the victim, they added. “Our number one priority is to support the family and to ensure that anyone involved is brought to justice based on the best evidence we can present to the Crown Prosecution Service.” Wellwishers, through a GoFundMe campaign, have raised more than £6,000, which Ms. Theobold indicated would support ongoing physiotherapy and equipment to aid her recovery at home. Ms. Theobold stated she believed she knew the identity of the driver of the stolen Land Rover and was aware of social media posts from individuals alleging further theft offences. She mentioned this was a conversation she was waiting to have with the police force.