A Chippenham man has been jailed for nearly four years after threatening a car seller and stealing his vehicle during a test drive.
Callum Foster, 27, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Winchester Crown Court on 13th August. He had pleaded guilty to robbery, and to driving a vehicle without a licence or insurance.
The court heard the offences took place on Monday, 19th May, when Foster met the victim in Bath to view a Jaguar XF that had been advertised for sale. Claiming he wanted to buy the car, he suggested they travel to Devizes to collect the cash.
Instead, Foster took the victim onto Salisbury Plain, where he threatened him with what the victim believed was a gun, telling him he had been sent to kill him. Foster then drove to Bradford-on-Avon train station, left the victim there, and took the Jaguar.
The following day, police traced the vehicle and arrested Foster at Leigh Delamere services off the M4. A second man in the car was arrested but later released without charge.
Foster was also given six points on his licence and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.
Detective Sergeant Toni Nugent said: “This was a hugely distressing incident for the victim. Foster caused the victim to fear that violence would be used against him if he didn’t comply. He then went on to steal his car.
“The car had been advertised for sale, and through trusting a stranger, the victim was taken advantage of.
“Many police units and departments worked together to ensure this case came to court, where Foster pleaded guilty to all offences. I hope this sentence brings some reassurance to the victim.”
Wiltshire Police has urged the public to take care when buying or selling online. Safety tips can be found at: Online shopping | Wiltshire Police.
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