Man, 33, stole BMW before crashing into hedge

Jordan Gurney, of Albert Road, Evesham, was jailed when he appeared by videolink to Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, (December 15). 

Harinderpal Dhami, prosecuting, said Gurney had known the victim, Sam Hitchman, for 10 years when he lived in Evesham. 

After the victim moved to Pershore he would give Gurney lifts, the court heard.

JAILED: Jordan Gurney (Image: West Mercia Police)

On August 18 this year at 3.15pm Gurney turned up at the home of the victim.

He repeatedly asked for the keys to the victim's BMW, saying "let me use" it and that he wanted to kill himself. 

The 33-year-old then said he had a smashed-up bottle in his bag and was carrying a knife, threatening the victim. 

"Mr Hitchman said no repeatedly," the prosecutor said.

"He feared for his safety, he gave him the keys. 

"The defendant left in the BMW, wheels spinning and driving aggressively.

"He called the police."

When police were on route they were told there had been a crash on the B4083 Wyre Road in Pershore, and realised Gurney had hit the front of a vehicle before coming at a rest in a hedge. 

"He drove erratically and violently, driving at speed," Mr Dhami said. 

CRASH: Jordan Gurney crashed a BMW he stole in Pershore (Image: PA)

"The BMW was written off. The other car was written off."

The prosecutor added the offence was aggravated by Gurney's 19 previous convictions which included offences of aggravated vehicle taking, assaults, theft and robbery. 

Michael Aspinall, defending, said Gurney at the time had been suffering from stress caused by a relationship breakdown and the loss of a potential job as a chef. 

He said prior to the offence Gurney had been sectioned and argued if he received a suspended sentence he could continue to get treatment for his alcohol issues. 

Mr Aspinall added: "He bitterly regrets what happened."

Sentencing him for robbery, dangerous driving and driving without insurance, Judge Martin Jackson said: "You threatened him (the victim) with a knife and broken bottle. 

JAILED: Jordan Gurney was jailed at Worcester Crown Court

"Although the items were not real, the threat was real to Mr Hitchman.

"You robbed the BMW and drove it dangerously."

The judge added, although he accepted Gurney had mental health issues at the time, he felt Gurney was aware of his actions.

He jailed Gurney for a total of 42 months. 

Gurney was also disqualified from driving for two years, and will have to take an extended driving test to get his licence back.

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