Unmasked: Danger driver jailed for car-jacking good Samaritan who offered him a lift in Telford
Detective condemns “violent and opportunistic” attack on 67-year-old
A man jailed for car-jacking a 67-year-old good Samaritan who offered him a lift has been unmasked as a police detective condemned the “violent and opportunistic” attack.
William Davies, of Overdale in Telford, was caged for three-and-a-half years at Shrewsbury Crown Court after being convicted of robbery, dangerous driving and driving without a licence.
The court heard how in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, February 15, Davies, who was intoxicated at the time, flagged down a motorist in a Ford Mondeo Vignale near Heath Hill in Dawley as they drove to work.
The victim agreed to drop Davies off further down the road. However, Davies was not happy with this and punched the man in the face, before pushing him out of the car.
Once out of the car, Davies, aged 32, continued his attack, before getting into the driver’s seat and speeding off, leaving the injured victim at the side of the road.
Davies then drove the car up to 90mph around Telford, hitting kerbs and driving on the wrong side of the road, before abandoning it.
The victim reported the incident to the police, and the vehicle was quickly located. Officers then discovered the assault had been captured on the car's dashcam.
Davies was identified as the suspect and arrested the same day, and later charged with the offences.
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."