Jailed: Man who dragged woman along road in 'horrific' carjacking as she tried to rescue dogs
A robber who dragged a helpless woman along a main road in a stolen car has been jailed for seven and a half years.
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Peter Willday, 39, has been jailed after stealing a car then using it to drag the terrified passenger across the road when she tried to retrieve her dogs, who were still in the vehicle.
Willday stole the car from Station Road, Balsall Common, Solihull, while the woman's friend was visiting some shops on the afternoon of August 23.
The 39-year-old had been loitering in the area for almost an hour before seeing his opportunity to take the vehicle.
Having already stolen food from a 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 her dogs who were still in the back of the vehicle.
However, Willday recklessly reversed the car onto the main road, hitting a parked car and almost colliding with another.
He then accelerated as the victim was dragged along the road before falling out of the car.
Fortunately, she was not seriously injured, however, she slipped into a seizure.
Willday released the two dogs further up the street, before continuing to Coventry. The dogs were found safe and returned to their owner.
An investigation was quickly launched, and after officers reviewed CCTV and spoke 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 robbery. He was also found in possession of a knife.
At a previous hearing, he admitted to the robbery and shop theft and to stealing a charity worker's car days earlier. He also admitted to possessing a knife, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.
On Wednesday (March 26) 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 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.”
