A Perthshire man has been jailed for 11 years after grabbing a woman’s throat and punching her during a car robbery in Blackpool.
Richard Mullen, 28, of Harriet Row, Blairgowrie, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Thursday following the theft last year.
At around 7am on October 25 2018 the victim, in her 50s, parked her car in the town’s South Shore area.
As she exited the vehicle Mullen approached her, demanding the keys to the car and grabbing her by the throat.
The victim fought back but was punched by Mullen, who took the keys and stole the Mini One.
Mullen drove off, overtaking cars and driving on the opposite side of the road before colliding with a Ford Fiesta where he abandoned the car and ran off.
The driver of the Ford suffered serious injuries.
After his arrest Mullen was charged and pled guilty to offences including robbery, dangerous driving and failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis.
Mullen was sentenced to six years and two months for robbery and eight months for dangerous driving, to be served consecutively.
He was also sentenced to an extended licence period of five years.
Mullen must serve two-thirds of the sentence before release, with the remainder on licence.
He was also disqualified from driving for 59 months and must take an extended resit test.
Detective Constable Adam Weaver, of Blackpool Police, called Mullen’s behaviour “reckless and irresponsible.”
DC Weaver said: “Mullen’s actions that day put the lives of dozens of motorists at risk.
“After viciously attacking a woman and stealing her car, he made off on one of Blackpool’s main roads, driving towards oncoming motorists as he weaved through traffic.
“He collided with a car, leaving the driver with serious injuries, before attempting to make off from the scene.
“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.”
