A carjacker who dragged a woman from her vehicle was detained with the help of passing ‘Good Samaritans’, a court heard.
The man responsible, Alan Hutton, has now been jailed for four years for what police described as, “a terrible ordeal” for the victim, who was caught in, “the wrong place at the wrong time,” at the end of a night out with a friend.
Hutton received his sentence on the final sitting before the Christmas break at Newcastle Crown Court, having previously admitted charges of robbery and possession of a class C drug.
The court heard how Hutton’s victim had been out for a meal with a friend on Saturday October 1, before walking to a car park on Lowrey’s Lane, in Low Fell, Gateshead, at about 8pm.
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A number of emergency calls were soon received by police from worried onlookers, who watched horrified as she was violently grabbed by the neck and pulled from her vehicle by the stranger.
Police said it was fortuitous that several ‘Good Samaritans’, who happened to be in the car park at the time, immediately went to the woman’s aid, helping to detain Hutton for several minutes, before officers arrived on scene.
The assailant was immediately arrested and taken into custody, before being charged within 24 hours and swiftly making his first court appearance in the case.
He later pleaded guilty and, at the sentencing hearing on Friday December 23, the 51-year-old defendant, of Ravensworth Road, Dunston, Gateshead, received the 48-month prison sentence, plus a £228 statutory court surcharge.
Speaking following the outcome of the hearing, Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Ashurst, of Northumbria Police, said: “I have no doubt that this would have been a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and seen to be an easy target.
“I hope the fact Hutton is behind bars is of some consolation and helps her to put this horrific incident behind her.”
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Insp Ashurst said the force was committed to keeping its communities safe.
In doing so, he thanked the officers involved for their speedy response which saw Hutton arrested within minutes, and the swift follow on work, which saw him charged in less than 24 hours.
He also praised the response of the brave members of the public who assisted the victim.
“While we would never expect members of the public to intervene and put themselves at risk of harm, I would like to thank those who came to the victim’s aid.
"They then helped to detain Hutton until our arrival and provided witness statements which have undoubtedly helped the prosecution.”
Insp Ashurst added: “As a force, ensuring that our communities and, especially victims of crime feel heard is a priority for us.
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“I want to reassure residents that officers are on hand to respond in real time to incidents of this nature.”
He said it was a sign that the force is committed to tackling crime, supporting victims and working with partners in the criminal justice system to secure effective justice.
Members of the public can report a crime please by visiting the “Tell us Something” page on the force’s website.
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