Two men jailed after attacking motorists near Dorchester
The pair were sentenced for their involvement in a series of attempted robberies
Two men who confronted drivers, stole a car, and attempted further robberies have been jailed after being convicted in Bournemouth Crown Court.
Cain Hughes, 23, from Poole, and Kalup Hughes, 34, of no fixed address, were sentenced on 29th January 2026 for offences committed near Dorchester on 14th February 2025.
At around 7.40pm on Lewell Road near Crossways, Dorset Police began receiving calls about two men whose vehicle, a Ford Focus, had broken down by the Woodsford level crossing.
The pair were asking passing motorists for help when they targeted a man driving a Mercedes. They dragged him from his car and attempted to drive the vehicle away before crashing it into a barrier at the level crossing.
They then approached other vehicles, threatening occupants and trying to force them from their seats to gain access to the cars, but were unsuccessful. The men eventually fled the scene on foot.
Despite an immediate police response and a search of the area, Cain and Kalup Hughes were not located that evening.
Detectives launched an investigation and quickly identified the pair using witness statements and fingerprint evidence from the vehicles.
Cain Hughes was charged with robbery, attempted robbery, and theft of a motor vehicle. Kalup Hughes faced similar charges, alongside dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Cain Hughes was sentenced to three years in prison while Kalup Hughes received a sentence of five years and four months.
Investigations Officer Florence Winstanley from Dorset County CID said the crimes caused distress to several victims.
“There were a number of victims in this case, and it must have been a terrifying ordeal for each of them.”
Officer Winstanley detailed how the pair acted aggressively toward motorists after their own vehicle broke down.
“They stole a Mercedes, which they then crashed into the railway crossing, before turning their attentions to other road users, threatening them and attempting to drag them from their vehicles,” Winstanley said.
She praised the judge for recognising the courage of one victim, who refused to leave her car despite intimidation.
“Our enquiries placed them back at the scene and ensured they were brought before the courts to face justice for their actions,” Winstanley added.