Robbers used pepper spray on car owner

Two teenagers have been locked up for a total of 12 and a half years after spraying a woman in the face with pepper spray and trying to steal her car.

The 40-year-old woman had pulled onto her drive at her Streetly home and was locking her car when she was approached by the two men who snatched the keys from her hands and sprayed her in the face.

They ran off when the victim's family rushed out to help her, but an hour-long police chase ensued involving the force helicopter and dogs unit.

Kurtis Richards, aged 18, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named were eventually arrested a mile away in Pheasey.

Richards, of Brockwell Road, Kingstanding, admitted robbery at Wolverhampton Crown Court and was locked up for six and a half years. He was also sentenced to two years' detention to be served concurrently for possession of a firearm.

The 17-year-old, from Erdington, denied being involved but was found guilty following a retrial in October. He was locked up for six years for robbery and given a two-year concurrent sentence for possession of a fire arm.

Acting Det Insp Steve Walters from Force CID said: "These two individuals saw what they thought was an easy opportunity to steal an expensive car but they were wrong.

"Despite trying to get away from a large number of officers, dogs, and even the force helicopter, they failed and have now been brought to justice".

The attack happened on Royal Meadow Way at around 5pm on January 3 and the pair started their sentences on Friday.