A MAN who robbed a lone newspaper delivery man of his van in the early hours of the morning has been jailed.
Matthew Adam Taylor, 28, and an accomplice approached Derek Graham in the area of Maryport’s The Arches at around 4-45am on April 28.
After initially asking Mercedes Sprinter driver Mr Graham for the time, they took control of his van. As the fearful victim spoke of calling police and desperately tried to stop the robbery, Taylor – described as being “beyond intoxicated – adopted a fighting stance and held his fists up towards the victim.
Of Mr Graham, prosecutor Charlotte Kenny told Carlisle Crown Court: “He began to shout for help. He says in his statement it was a very frightening situation and he didn’t know what was going to happen next.”
Taylor drove the van away. It crashed into and damaged three other vehicles – one of which was written off – and was then hastily abandoned.
Taylor, of no fixed address and formerly of Trinity Drive, Northside, Workington, was later arrested. He went on to admit robbery and dangerous driving at Alne Road, offences committed while subject to a previously imposed suspended sentence.
Taylor told a probation officer he had little recollection of the offending, but did remember agreeing to take the van impulsively for a “joyride”. He had since accepted his actions were “highly stupid and a reckless mistake”.
Taylor was sentenced this afternoon (MON), and jailed for two years and four months.
“I think it is clear you caused to Mr Graham considerable anxiety, upset and fear,” Recorder John Corless told him.
“He was vulnerable and exposed to people like you who would seek to do him harm. He was simply carrying out his normal duties.”
Taylor must serve a 12-month driving ban when released from prison.
