Man jailed for car robbery in Solihull last Summer

A robber who stole a car while a woman and her two dogs were inside it has been jailed.

Peter Willday stole the car from Station Road, Balsall Common, while the woman’s friend had popped into the shops on the afternoon of 23 August.

The 39-year-old had been loitering in the area for almost an hour before seeing his opportunity. Having already stolen food from the local Sainsbury’s, Willday jumped into the driver’s seat of the car and ordered the passenger to get out.

The victim started to panic and attempted to get to her two dogs who were in the back of the car.

But Willday recklessly reversed the car into the main road hitting a parked car and almost colliding with another.

He accelerated as the victim was dragged along the road before falling out of the car. Fortunately, she wasn’t seriously injured, but slipped into a seizure.

Willday released the two dogs further up the street, before continuing on to Coventry. The dogs were found safe and reunited with their owner.

An investigation was launched and after reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses, Willday was identified as a suspect.

He was arrested in Coventry a month later after being spotted by officers who were aware that he was wanted for the robbery. He was also found in possession of a knife.

At a previous hearing, he admitted to the robbery and shop theft as well as another shop theft and to stealing a charity worker’s car a couple of days before. He also admitted possession of a knife, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.

On Wednesday (26 March) at Coventry Crown Court, he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. He was also banned from driving for three years which will not start until after he has served his sentence.

Detective Constable Courtney Martin from Solihull Police, said: “This was a horrific incident for both women who were simply out enjoying the nice weather together.

“To this day, they are still recovering from the trauma of what happened.

“I hope this sentence offers them some peace and closure. To anyone thinking of committing crimes like this know that that we will pursue you and do everything we can to get justice for victims.”