Car thief who held pensioner at knifepoint jailed

Nikki Taylor threatened to kill the victim if she did not hand over her car keys, said police

A man has been jailed for 16 and a half years after admitting to robbing a 70-year-old woman at her home.

Nikki Taylor, armed with a stick, brick and knife in September 2023, threatened to kill the victim if she did not hand over her car keys at the property in Brewood, said Staffordshire Police.

The 40-year-old, from Wolverhampton, held the knife to the woman's throat and she cut her hand when moving to defend herself.

At Stafford Crown Court on Friday, he also admitted to driving a motor vehicle dangerously, taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and causing damage to a property.

Police said Taylor drove off from the scene a year ago in the victim's Citroen DS, taking with him £50 in cash and food from inside the home.

He was sighted the following day in Wolverhampton where police said he rammed an officer's vehicle and smashed through the gates of RAF Cosford.

The force said he tried to fight with officers when he arrested.

Following the court result, the victim’s family said: "We are especially grateful to the initial response officers for their care in handling what was a very traumatic initial scene, and to the officer who has led the investigation throughout for their tireless support and dedication over the last 10 months."

In addition to his prison sentence, Taylor was also handed a restraining order against the victim and ordered to take an extended driving re-test.