Car jacking and terror ride in Wolverhampton over alleged debt
A frightened man was taken on a terror ride in his own car after being hijacked over an alleged debt, a court heard.
Michael James landed in trouble after being invited to a meeting by Nigel Watt, a man he had apparently not seen for six years, said prosecutor Mr Kevin Jones.
The pair had once been involved in a business deal that went wrong, the court heard.
Mr James, aged 69, drove to the rendezvous in Bilston where a row flared between the pair after 33-year-old Watt climbed into the passenger seat.
Mr Jones told Wolverhampton Crown Court: "There was a heated exchange about poor business decisions and the defendant asked for money but Mr James said he had none with him." He was then ordered into the passenger seat by Watt who took over the driving, hurtling round to several cash machines in a fruitless hunt for money, it was said. The car went through Bilston town centre at over 50mph forcing other motorists to sound their horn and take evasive action, continued the prosecutor.
The high speed journey continued along Goldthorn Hill, into Villa Street and then careered onto the Waitrose car park looking for another cash machine. Watt then announced: "If I don't get any money, I will take the car." Mr James got out and the defendant roared off in the £1,700 vehicle that was found parked undamaged outside his home when he was arrested the day after the October 16 bust up.
Watt, from Park Hall Road, Goldthorn Hill, admitted theft and dangerous driving and was given a one year jail sentence suspended under supervision for two years with 120 hours unpaid work while being banned from driving for three years.
A restraining order was imposed by the court banning Watt from having contact of any sort with Mr James for five years.
