Crime, Dorchester | Posted on February 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Two car thieves jailed after robbery attempt near Dorchester

Cain and Kalup Hughes were sentenced to years in jail after threatening motorists in February 2025.

Two men who tried to drag motorists out of their cars to steal their vehicles have been jailed for several years.

Cain Hughes, 23, from Poole, and Kalup Hughes, 34, of no fixed abode, were sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 29 January 2026.

The charges related to an incident on Friday 14 February 2025, in the area of Lewell Road near Crossways, Dorchester. The pair were stopping other motorists and asking for assistance with their car, a Ford Focus, which had broken down near the Woodsford level crossing.

They approached a Mercedes, pulled the driver from his seat, and attempted to drive off in the vehicle before colliding with a barrier at the level crossing.

After getting out of the Mercedes, they approached several other vehicles in attempts to gain access. This involved opening car doors, making threats to the vehicle occupants and attempting to pull them from their seats. When this failed, they fled on foot, and officers were unable to locate them.

An investigation was launched by detectives, and witness statements and analysis of fingerprints on the victims’ vehicles identified Cain Hughes and Kalup Hughes as the two men involved.

They were arrested, and Cain was subsequently charged with robbery, attempted robbery and theft of a motor vehicle, while Kalup was charged with robbery, attempted robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Cain was sentenced to three years in prison and Kalup was jailed for five years and four months.

Investigations Officer Florence Winstanley, of Dorset County CID, said: “There were a number of victims in this case, and it must have been a terrifying ordeal for each of them. “Cain Hughes and Kalup Hughes were driving a vehicle without a licence or any insurance. When this vehicle broke down, they asked other motorists to assist them, and these people were met with aggression and violence.

“They stole a Mercedes, which they then crashed into the railway crossing, before turning their attention to other road users, threatening them and attempting to drag them from their vehicles.

“The judge praised the bravery of the victims, one of whom was a lone female who, despite being physically and verbally threatened, refused to leave her vehicle.

“Cain and Kalup thought that they could escape justice by fleeing on foot, but our enquiries placed them back at the scene and ensured they were brought before the courts to face justice for their actions.”