Men jailed for knifepoint car robberies in Stoke-on-Trent
Michael Caddick, 44, and Ben Leadbeater, 31, targeted drivers in 2022
Two men have been jailed after two cars were robbed from their owners at knifepoint in Stoke-on-Trent.
Michael Caddick, 44, of no fixed abode, and Ben Leadbeater, 31, of no fixed abode, worked together to take a red Toyota after they threatened the owner at knifepoint on Broadway, Meir on 22 June 2022.
A friend of the victim spotted the car on Harrowby Road. He followed it for about a minute while police flooded the area with officers looking for the stolen vehicle.
The man followed the car until Caddick and Leadbeater got out. One of them had a large knife on him and threatened the man, who ran away.
Caddick drove off in the man’s Toyota Yaris, while Leadbeater got back in the red Toyota and carried on driving away.
The car Leadbeater was driving was stung by officers while he was trying to get away and was arrested on the railway lines at Blythe Bridge.
Caddick was also stopped on Green Lane and was arrested by officers.
After being charged with the offences, both men pleaded guilty in court to two counts each of aggravated vehicle taking.
On Tuesday, Caddick was sentenced to 17 months imprisonment, while Leadbeater was given 16 months.