Telford man jailed for assaulting driver and stealing his car
Incident involved dangerous driving while intoxicated
William Davies, a 32-year-old from Overdale in Telford, has received a jail sentence of three years and five months for attacking a driver, stealing his car, and driving recklessly while intoxicated.
The sentencing took place at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday, 13th July.
Davies had previously accepted guilt for robbery and was later convicted of dangerous driving and driving without a licence.
The court proceedings revealed that in the early hours of 15th February, Davies flagged down a passer-by near Heath Hill in Dawley while drunk.
The victim, a man in his 60s, agreed to give Davies a lift, but was assaulted and pushed out of his car when Davies became dissatisfied.
Davies continued the assault before fleeing with the car, driving dangerously through Telford, and eventually abandoning it in St Georges.
The vehicle was located promptly by police, aided by dashcam footage capturing the assault.
Davies was arrested on the same day following identification from the footage, leading to formal charges.
Detective Constable Chris Russell from Shropshire's Reactive CID said:
"This was a deeply concerning incident in which a man was subjected to a violent and opportunistic attack after simply stopping to help someone he believed was in need. The victim showed considerable courage in attempting to fight off Davies during the ordeal, despite being assaulted and ultimately having his vehicle stolen. He was left injured at the roadside while Davies drove off without any regard for his welfare. Officers were shocked not only by the violent nature of the robbery and assault, but also by Davies' actions afterwards. While intoxicated, he drove at speed around Telford with a complete disregard for the safety of other road users and members of the public. Davies' reckless behaviour had the potential to cause even more serious harm, and today's sentence reflects the severity of his offending, and we hope it gives the victim some level of reassurance."