Colin French

Public criminal case information in the UK reveals details for at least two distinct individuals named Colin French.

Colin French (Jailed in 2016 for attempted kidnapping)

In July 2016, a 42-year-old Colin French from Stevenage was sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to kidnap his estranged wife. He was described by police as "extremely dangerous". The incident occurred on November 4, 2015, when French hid in the boot of his ex-wife's car in Hardwick, Cambridgeshire, and attempted to abduct her. His ex-wife recognized his aftershave scent and noticed the steamed-up windows, leading her to discover him in the boot.

French was found guilty of attempted kidnapping after a three-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court in May 2016. He had pleaded guilty to three other charges: taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, possessing a bladed article in a public place, and burglary. The burglary charge stemmed from him breaking into his ex-wife's home to steal spare car keys and wedding rings after purchasing tools like an angle grinder and hacksaw. He received a four-year jail term for attempted kidnap with a three-year extended license, six months for taking a vehicle without consent, and 12 months each for possessing a bladed article and burglary, all to run concurrently. He was also disqualified from driving for five years.

This individual had a prior conviction in 2006, serving nearly six years in prison for setting fire to an ex-partner's home after their relationship ended. The 2015 offenses were committed while he was on a life license from this previous conviction, meaning he would not be released until a parole board deemed him no longer a threat.

Colin French (Prolific Shoplifter in Newcastle/Northumberland)

There are public records detailing criminal proceedings for a younger Colin French, associated with shoplifting and other theft-related offenses in the Newcastle and Northumberland areas.

• August 2024: A 26-year-old Colin French, of Hugh Gardens in Newcastle, was jailed for 16 weeks after admitting to eight counts of shoplifting. He was arrested on July 22, 2024, for stealing hundreds of pounds worth of meat, fish, and butter from Sainsbury's stores in Newcastle. He had previous convictions for shoplifting, assault, and drug possession.
• February 2025: This Colin French was again jailed for 12 weeks after stealing £500 worth of sunglasses from Sunglasses Hut and bacon from Tesco in Newcastle City Centre in January 2025. He was 26 years old at the time and was already on a suspended sentence when these offenses occurred. He admitted to two counts of shop theft at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
• June 2026: A 28-year-old Colin French, of Newbiggin Hall, appeared in South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court facing 17 charges. These include 12 counts of shop theft (from Sainsbury's, Co-op, and Hollister between May 30 and June 4, 2026), one theft of a motor vehicle (a Land Rover worth £1,700 on May 22, 2026), one theft of parcels, and two breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order. He did not enter pleas, and the case was adjourned to Newcastle Magistrates' Court. He was released on conditional bail, which included a ban from entering large parts of Newcastle and Northumberland, as well as specific stores.
• Upcoming Hearings (June 2026): Public court data lists several upcoming hearings for a "MR COLIN FRENCH" at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court and Sunderland County, Family, Magistrates' and Tribunal Hearings on June 3, 2026, and June 16, 2026, respectively. These hearings include charges such as theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a shop, and failing to provide a sample for a Class 'A' drug test. Given the dates and locations, these likely pertain to the 28-year-old Colin French from Newbiggin Hall.