A drunk Telford man who violently attacked a driver who stopped to help him, then stole his car and sped off, has been jailed for three years and five months.
Attack on Good Samaritan
William Davies, 32, flagged down a motorist near Heath Hill in Dawley in the early hours of February 15. The victim, in his 60s, was on his way to work and agreed to give Davies a lift.
However, Davies became unhappy with the arrangement and assaulted the driver, pushing him out of the car. He continued the attack on the roadside before getting into the vehicle and driving away, leaving the man injured.
Stolen Car and Dangerous Driving
Davies drove the stolen car at speed around Telford before abandoning it in the St George's area. The victim contacted West Mercia Police, and officers quickly located the vehicle. The assault had been captured on the car's dashcam, leading to Davies' arrest the same day.
Davies, of Overdale, Telford, admitted robbery but was found guilty of dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. He was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on July 13.
Police Condemn Reckless Behaviour
Detective Constable Chris Russell from Shropshire's Reactive CID said: "This was a deeply concerning incident in which a man was subjected to a violent and opportunistic attack after simply stopping to help someone he believed was in need. The victim showed considerable courage in attempting to fight off Davies during the ordeal, despite being assaulted and ultimately having his vehicle stolen. He was left injured at the roadside while Davies drove off without any regard for his welfare."
Russell added: "Officers were shocked not only by the violent nature of the robbery and assault, but also by Davies' actions afterwards. While intoxicated, he drove at speed around Telford with a complete disregard for the safety of other road users and members of the public. Davies' reckless behaviour had the potential to cause even more serious harm, and today's sentence reflects the severity of his offending, and we hope it gives the victim some level of reassurance."
