"Get out or you are going to get it": Carjacker who terrorised Sunderland motorists is jailed

Stevie Todd left drivers stunned by banging on their car bonnets and threatening them if they didn't leave their cars.

Newcastle Crown Court heard most motorists managed to just get away from the "bizarre" scene at Durham Road in Sunderland last October 17.

But one woman, who had her extremely ill brother in the vehicle, was forced out of her car, which Todd drove away and crashed nearby.

She had been warned "Get out or you are going to get it" after being pulled over by Todd in her Ford Focus.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told the court: "People were being effectively carjacked, ordered out of their vehicles, in the middle of the dual carriageway.

"One witness said the defendant had no regard for suffering, he was determined to steal a car and that is what he has done.

"Witnesses describe being terrified by his actions."

Todd, of Stratfield Street, Pallion, Sunderland, admitted robbery, two charges of attempted robbery, one of damaging property and driving while disqualified.

He was arrested after his fingerprints were found on two of the vehicles he had targeted.

Judge Stephen Earl jailed the 24-year-old for for 28 months and banned him from the roads for two years.

The judge said: "Many vehicles were stopped by the defendant.

"This caused enormous distress to those confronted by this man. This is a matter which caused deep upset to a number of people, both in their cars driving and around about.

"Scared and frightened are words that were used."

Bob Spragg, defending, said Todd has mental health problems and had been using alcohol to cope but is now taking medication and responding to proper help.

Mr Spragg said no violence or weapons were used in the offences.

But he added; "It was fairly bizarre.

"There were a number of people who would have been upset and distressed by his behaviour."