JAILED: Black Country van robber crashed into police and ditch on Christmas Eve
A Black Country man who stole a van on Christmas Eve then crashed into a police car and a ditch has been locked up for six years.
Liam Sargent approached a woman sitting in her work van while her screen was defrosting on Christmas Eve last year at around 8am at Pinfold Health Centre, Field Road, Bloxwich.
He threatened the woman and told her to get out of the van - which she did - and he drove off in it.
The woman called the police and said that the van had a tracker fitted.
Officers on patrol nearby were alerted and spotted the van in Fishley Lane, Little Bloxwich.
They attempted to stop it but Sargent accelerated towards them, hitting an open door on the police car, narrowly avoiding the officer.
Sargent lost control and the van went off the road and into a ditch, he was quickly arrested and taken into custody.
He pleaded guilty to robbery, drink driving and driving while disqualified and was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The 26-year-old from Serbus Street, Bilston has also been banned from driving for three years.
Detective Sergeant Karn Sharma, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “This must have been a really frightening experience for the woman involved.
“Violence like this is completely unacceptable and I’m glad Sargent has admitted his guilt and saved the woman from having to go through the ordeal of a trial.
“I hope this outcome provides her some comfort.”
