Serial thief is back in jail

A serial thief from Wolverhampton who broke into a lorry and threatened its driver with a knife just days after being released from prison was today back behind bars.

Marvin Downie, aged 30, of Chester Street in Whitmore Reans, was jailed for three years and four months at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The court heard yesterday the convicted shoplifter had been released from prison early from a nine-month sentence imposed in July just 14 days before the crime was committed.

Mr Warren Stanier, prosecuting, told how on October 13, Polish driver Rood Bos parked his lorry in Tettenhall High Street.

Downie broke in and stole Mr Bos' briefcase, mobile phone and wallet. The victim saw him and gave chase, grabbing Downie's throat and forcing him to drop some of the stolen goods.

Downie then produced a lock knife with a 9cm blade and threatened him. Mr Bos was "scared for his life" and let him go, Mr Stanier added, and he got away.

Police arrested Downie around half an hour later, and found Audi keys stolen from a van parked in Coleman Street, Whitmore Reans, earlier that day and a sat nav from Mr Bos' HGV.

Mr David Bratt, defending, said Downie, who admitted theft, handling stolen goods and possessing a knife, was remorseful.

Recorder Mr Andrew Lockhart said he had "every opportunity" to give himself up when caught by Mr Bos.