West Bromwich car-jacking trial: Accused admits threatening to kill girlfriend over police statement

Andrew Jones told a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court it had been 'in the heat of the moment' and it had not been a planned attempt to threaten Stacey Johnson.

Jones was giving evidence during the sixth day of his trial. He denies carrying out the brutal car jacking of 79-year-old Reginald Stocking in West Bromwich on May 10 this year.

He denies robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, burglary and witness intimidation.

He is alleged to have stolen a TV from an address in Groveland Road, Dudley Port, just eight hours after the car jacking took place.

During cross-examination, Jones admitted he had threatened Miss Johnson when she told him of the statement made against him.

"Yes I did threaten to kill her. It was in the heat of the moment that was the way I saw it. It was a conversation over the telephone," he said.

Mr Adam Western, prosecuting, said: "You threatened to kill this woman who you knew was vulnerable."

Jones said it was the first time he had been told she was making a statement against him and his reaction had not been a planned attempt to intimidate her.

The 34-year-old, of Manley Close, West Bromwich, earlier told the court he had been in the vicinity of Chapel Street, where the car jacking had taken place, but had been walking around trying to cool off after an argument with his father.

He had also said he was able to ask for up to £500 worth of drugs on 'credit' due to his long relationship with drug dealers.

Mr Western said: "If you can get this credit then why did you go to your father to try and get money.

"You asked him twice knowing it would upset him." Jones said he only asked for credit as a 'last resort' saying it was the 'principles he lived by'.

Mr Western asked Jones if he thought the attack on Mr Stocking had been 'callous'. The defendant answered he did.

Mr Western added: "Would you agree with me the person who did this must have been pretty cowardly?"

Jones responded: "That is not for me to answer."

He later added: "It is an offence no-one would want to commit or to be accused of committing."

Jones again denied he had carried out the car jacking said he had not robbed Mr Stocking of the vehicle.

The jury was also told some of Jones' previous convictions, which included counts of aggravated vehicle taking and taking a vehicle without consent, stretching from 1996 to the early 2010s.

The court was also told Jones had been also been sentenced to 78 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Mr Western said: "You are capable of causing people grievous bodily harm aren't you and you've got it in you to intend to cause bodily harm?"

Jones answered: "Yes."

The evidence in the trial has now concluded and both prosecution and defence gave their closing speeches yesterday (Tue).

The trial has previously heard Mr Stocking had been left lying in the middle of the road like a 'bundle of rags' following the car jacking.

The trial continues.