Perthshire knife carjacker was just 10 years old

Court told boy helped teenager steal vehicle after driver stopped in layby

A 10-year-old boy helped carry out an armed carjacking on a wind farm worker who was sleeping in a remote layby in the dead of night, a court heard.

The boy and Charles Lindsay, 19, entered the man’s car.

It was then stolen at knifepoint and taken for a ride.

Car owner Rhys Williams, 23, who had been tired after driving from Wales to Scotland to return to work, was left at the roadside without his shoes.

Perth Sheriff Court was told he had fled from the car after seeing the knife and hearing the boy shout: “Get out of the car!”

Lindsay was caught after dumping the car near his mother’s home and leaving his DNA on the steering wheel.

Mr Williams’ stolen Armani tracksuit was found during a search of Lindsay’s home.

Motorbike mechanic Lindsay, of Logie Drive, Logiealmond, yesterday admitted assaulting and robbing Mr Williams at knifepoint on October 13 last year.

He admitted acting with another unknown male in a layby on the A926 Blairgowrie to Alyth road by entering the Seat Ibiza and demanding property from Mr Williams.

Lindsay admitted presenting a knife, ordering Mr Williams to leave the vehicle before driving it away and stealing the car and its contents.

Depute fiscal Laura Bruce said: “At 5.20am Mr Williams was woken by tapping on the window.

“He turned and saw the accused climb into the front passenger seat. The accused said ‘give me everything you’ve got’. Mr Williams could see a blade in his hand.

“He told the accused everything was in the boot to try and get them out of the car. The accused put his hand on the victim’s shoulder and said ‘give me your phone’.”

She said another voice shouted ‘get out of the car’, and this was the boy.

Solicitor John McLaughlin said Lindsay had been waiting to apply to join the Army.

“There maybe elements in his background which indicate there may be some prospect of saving him and preventing him from acting this way again,” he said.

Sheriff Gillian Wade said: “A conviction for armed robbery is not going to assist you in joining the Army. You have been convicted of a very serious offence.

“A custodial sentence is very much at the forefront of my thinking and you should prepare yourself for that eventuality.”

Lindsay was granted bail and sentence was deferred for reports.