Telford robber crashed stolen van into a brick wall
A man who took part in a robbery that saw two men threatened with a samurai sword and a van stolen, later crashed the vehicle into a wall, a court heard.
Robert Wilson suffered a fit at the wheel while driving the stolen Vauxhall Vectra van on Bennetts Bank in Wellington. The van then collided with a three-foot brick wall.
Wilson had been part of a gang of at least three men who had taken the van and some cash from Daryl Brown and Michael Matthews after they had stopped for a cigarette in the early hours, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Wilson had got into the back of the van while another man held a samurai sword and told them to get out and hand over money.
Wilson, 24, of Stafford Street in St Georges, Telford, admitted robbing Mr Brown of a Vauxhall Vectra and cash and robbing Mr Matthews of cash on May 23 when he appeared at court.
He was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for 18 months.
Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said Mr Brown and Mr Matthews had stopped for a cigarette at about 1.30am in the Vauxhall Vectra when the incident happened.
Mr Edwards said: "The back door of the driver's side opened and a samurai sword was pushed in.
"Holding it was a man who told the men not to move. The defendant got into the back passenger seat. There was at least one other person and the man with the sword there.
"They told Mr Matthews and Mr Brown to hand over any money – Mr Matthews handed over £4 and Mr Brown handed over about £70 to £80.
"The man with the sword said they were taking the van. The two complainants got out and a taxi was called to take them home.
Later the vehicle was seen driven by the defendant who collided with a brick wall."
Sentencing, Judge Peter Barrie said Wilson was involved in a serious offence of robbery. He said: "It is more serious as one man used a frightening sword and cash was taken. You were driving the stolen vehicle, had a fit and crashed. You were not the main mover but you must learn this is not an excuse. You must try to tackle your drink and drug use and try to find a way forward to make a more settled life."
Wilson was also ordered to take part in the drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programme for nine months and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.
