Man stole car with girlfriend still on the bonnet

Adam Willis, aged 31, had a row with his partner of 18 months Robyn Reeve before stealing her VW Polo.

She tried desperately to stop him, but was left dumped on the ground as he drove off.

Ms Reeve sustained knee injuries after the incident which happened in Hordern Road, Whitmore Reans – Wolverhampton magistrates' court was told.

Prosecutor Balbir Paul said: "He took his girlfriend's car. She did try to stop him. She climbed onto the bonnet of the car, but he carried on driving away.

"The vehicle in question was a VW Polo which was registered to the victim.

"She had been in a relationship with him for 18 months and the defendant had recently moved in with her.

"On December 10, the victim called 999. She told police that the defendant had driven off with her car with her on the bonnet.

"She accused him of taking her car on another occasion. They had a falling out and he attempted to take the vehicle.

"The victim followed him outside and got onto the bonnet.

"The defendant reversed the vehicle and the victim fell onto the concrete below. She sustained minor injuries to her knees. He continued to drive away."

Willis, of Marshwood Croft, Halesowen, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking which caused injury by accident.

Magistrates took into account the fact that Ms Reeve was his partner as an aggravating feature.

He failed to attend a previous meeting with the probation service, so magistrates refused to adjourn sentencing to obtain reports on Willis.

He was handed a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Willis was also disqualified from driving for a total of 12 months, ordered to pay £200 through a compensation payment and £135 in total court costs.