DJ Pleads Guilty to Theft After Throwing Police Van Keys Into Bush During Illegal Rave

A DJ found himself in hot water after he stole and threw the keys of a police van into a bush during an illegal rave, resulting in a court appearance and a guilty plea.

Thomas Cope, the 36-year-old DJ, admitted to one count of theft at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday. The incident took place on June 10 in Enford, Wiltshire, when police were called to disperse a group of around 30 people gathered for an illegal rave.

As the police attempted to clear the site using legal powers, Cope, who had brought his own DJ equipment to the event, became upset and angry that the police were dismantling his setup. Under the influence of alcohol, he impulsively took the keys from the police van and threw them into a nearby bush.

Realizing the gravity of his actions, Cope attempted to retrieve the keys but was arrested before he could do so. He later spent four hours searching for the keys in the area with a metal detector, but they remained unrecovered.

Subsequently, a police dog unit was deployed to locate the missing keys, but their efforts were in vain. As a result, the police had to purchase a replacement set of keys. In court, Cope was ordered to pay £100 as compensation to Wiltshire Constabulary for the loss.

Despite expressing remorse for his “stupid, reckless, and thoughtless act,” Cope now faces the legal consequences of his actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the law and the consequences of participating in illegal activities.