Jailed: Thief dragged woman down road as he stole her car - with VIDEO:
A car thief who dragged a woman along a West Bromwich road as he fled in her vehicle has been jailed.
Paul Harvey sped off along Lodge Road with the victim clinging onto the open driver’s door after trying to stop him speeding away.
The 49-year-old had jumped into the Ford C-Max after she popped into the nearby church on Sunday, October 6, last year.
She returned to find Harvey sitting in the driver’s seat and, as she approached with the car key fob in her hand, he was able to quickly start the vehicle.
WATCH: Victim tries to hold on as thief drives off in her car:
The victim, in her 30s, was dragged around 20 metres along Lodge Road before being flung off, where she suffered cuts, and scarring, but no further serious injuries.
The woman was able to provide a description of the robber, with an officer matching this to Harvey and leading to him being traced and arrested.
Identified
Harvey, who has a lengthy criminal record, was subsequently identified by the victim during an ID parade and pleaded guilty to robbery.
Harvey, of Asbury Road, Friar Park, Wednesbury, was jailed for six years at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, July 30.
Pc Craig Elliott, from force CID, said: "This was absolutely terrifying for the victim and it’s just sheer fortune she was not more seriously hurt.
"Harvey saw an opportunity and did not care who he hurt along the way.
"It was through local knowledge that an officer was able to identify Harvey as the prime suspect through just the description.
"It shows the value of knowing our communities and Harvey has now lost his freedom for a long time."
