Carjacker who threatened motorists near M1 jailed

Detectives hope the jailing of a car jacker who "terrorised" motorists with a knife will bring "some comfort" to victims.

James Heaney, 27, stole a Ford Mondeo, after confronting a man in London Colney in Hertfordshire on 20 August, before driving off and crashing into several other cars.

Police said Heaney then tried to take vehicles from other motorists at knifepoint near the M1.

Heany, previously from Watford, has been jailed for seven years and nine months at St Albans Crown Court.

Hertfordshire Police said Heaney threatened the man on Telford Road, and then crashed into several cars during his journey on to the A404 North Orbital Road, just before the M1 junction.

He abandoned the Mondeo and tried to steal other cars by jumping on bonnets and threatening other motorists with a knife and punching one victim in the face, police said.

After evading capture, Heaney, of no fixed address, was eventually arrested in Hemel Hempstead on 10 October.

Police said Heaney had also stolen and crashed a woman's car in March last year after threatening her with a knife in the car park of the Tim Horton's burger bar on North Western Avenue in Watford.

"The woman was terrified and feared for her life," Det Con Julie Vint said.

"We are pleased that Heaney has been given a lengthy sentence.

"We hope it brings some comfort to the people Heaney terrorised and all the motorists who had to witness such frightening actions."

Heaney admitted robbery, attempted robbery, possession of a knife, assault, criminal damage and dangerous driving.

During sentencing on 17 April, Heaney was also banned from driving for more than seven years.

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