Man jailed after attack on woman

A Blairgowrie man has been jailed after he robbed a woman and stole her car, later crashing the vehicle on a busy Blackpool road.

Richard Mullen (28) of Harriet Row, Blairgowrie was sentenced at Preston Crown Court last week.

Mullen was arrested last year following the incident on October 25.

According to Lancashire police, as a woman in her 50s got out her car, Mullen approached her demanded the car keys and grabbed her throat.

The victim fought back and was punched by Mullen, who took the keys and stole the vehicle.

He made off before colliding with a Ford Fiesta.

Mullen abandoned the car in the road, running away before being arrested by police.

The driver of the Ford suffered serious injuries.

Mullen later pleaded guilty to offences including robbery, dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He was sentenced to six years and two months for robbery and eight months for dangerous driving, to be served concurrently.

He was also sentenced to an extended licence period of five years bringing his total term of imprisonment to 11 years two months.

As well as the prison sentence Mullen was disqualified from driving for 59 months.

Det Con Adam Weaver, of Blackpool Police, said:“Mullen’s actions that day put the lives of dozens of motorists at risk.

“Mullen’s behaviour was completely reckless and irresponsible. We welcome the sentence handed down at court, the significance of which highlights the gravity of his offending.”