'Heinous and cowardly': Drug addict who car-jacked pensioner blasted by top legal boss

West Midlands senior crown prosecutor Ian Crooks launched an excoriating critique of Andrew Jones, who was jailed for 14 years on Friday for the violent car-jacking of Reginald Stocking in West Bromwich.

Jones, of Manley Close, West Bromwich, was sentenced via video link on Friday after refusing to attend court.

Mr Crooks said: "The conviction of Andrew Jones of these offences is the culmination of some excellent work between the police and the CPS.

"Evidence was obtained, which including CCTV footage and data from Jones's mobile phone, to place him in Chapel Street at the time of the attack on Mr Stocking.

"That evidence, as well as that of witnesses who were brave enough to testify against him, proved crucial in allowing the jury to return guilty verdicts.

"The attack on Mr Stocking can only be described as heinous and cowardly.

"The defendant displayed a flagrant disregard for his elderly victim and has shown no remorse throughout the case."

Jones, aged 34, was found guilty after a trial in November of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery and burglary.

On the night of May 10, 78-year-old Mr Stocking, was moving his Peugeot 207 motor vehicle to a private car park when he was attacked by Jones.

Mr Stocking had his car stolen together with £80 in cash that was in the vehicle.

The attack left the pensioner with significant head injuries, which caused him to be hospitalised for a period of time.

Following the attack Jones used Mr Stocking's car to travel to Dudley Port where he committed a burglary.

Later he was captured on CCTV returning to his ex-partner's address in West Bromwich in order to deposit a flat-screen television there.

West Midlands Police received information that Jones had committed the offence on May 15.

Once sufficient evidence had been obtained, Jones was arrested by the police and charged with the offences of which he was to be found guilty.

On Friday Judge Stephen Eyre QC said Jones' actions were 'cowardly and callous'.

The judge told him he would spend at least nine years behind bars and will not be considered for release until he was deemed not to pose a threat to the public.

When he is released, he will spend a further four years on licence.