8:54 am, January 21, 2026
A car dealer who was beaten black and blue in a showroom attack has hit out at the police response to the incident.
Darren Street, owner of Spear Cars in Stafford, was struck in the back of the head while working in his dealership earlier this month.
The 51-year-old says he received ‘an almighty blow’ before a frenzied attack saw him take several more punches to the face.
The experienced motor trader was left with two black eyes, a ‘flattened and bloodied’ nose, a damaged jaw and a bleed to his head, with security footage showing that the incident lasted around 25 seconds.
It is believed the attack was carried out by a man who had accompanied an associate while he was collecting tools from the dealership.
Describing the attack to the Stoke Sentinel, Street said: ‘I was at work when I felt an almighty blow to the back of my head.
‘Then this unknown male proceeded to beat me. I think he delivered around 20 punches but it was hard to keep count in the moment.
‘I was petrified and in pain. It took me a while just to even register what was happening. I didn’t know if something had fallen on me or what.
‘I didn’t fully comprehend until I turned around and saw this guy delivering the punches. Then it just seemed relentless. I didn’t know when it was going to stop or how far he intended to go. CCTV showed the attack lasted for around 25 seconds.
‘It knocked me for six. I got two black eyes, my nose was left flattened and bloodied, my jaw was damaged, and I was left with an injured and bleeding head.’
‘Staffordshire Police have failed once again’
Following the attack, Street dialled 999 and police attended the scene, where they took the registration number of the attacker’s car.
However, later in the day, while visiting A&E for treatment on his injuries, the car dealer says he received a call from Staffordshire Police, asking if he would be happy to resolve the issue by way of a community resolution order
This would mean that the attacker would enter into an police-led agreement that would see him avoid prosecution for the incident.
When Street refused the request, the suspect, who has not been named, was asked to voluntarily come to the police station for an interview, which he agreed to.
In a video posted on social media, the car dealer has hit out at the way the incident was handled by the police.
Speaking on Facebook, he said: ‘Staffordshire Police attended, we got the registration of the offender and the police were able to trace who the car owner was and the offender.
‘Long story short, Staffordshire Police phoned me while sat in Accident and Emergency and asked if I would be prepared to allow the offender to have a community resolution order.
‘I said “Are you joking?”. This is an unprovoked attack. This is actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm as far as I am concerned.
‘Then I got a phone call yesterday and they said that they have located the offender and he has agreed that he will come in and see them.
‘They didn’t go and do like you see on the TV and go and arrest him. This guy was allowed to go about his normal business on Saturday afternoon and allowed to go about his normal business on Sunday and Monday, despite the threats.
‘Staffordshire Police: I am really sorry but you have failed once again.’
Car Dealer has approached Staffordshire Police for comment.
