Lorry Hi-jacker Jailed

1 August 2014, 13:04 | Updated: 1 August 2014, 13:08

A man who hijacked a lorry in order to steal cash and cigarettes has been jailed for seven years.

36 year-old John Lake, and another man, both wearing balaclavas, jumped the 64-year-old driver of a One Stop truck after he pulled into a layby off the A14 near Ellington, just prior to Brampton Hut Services, at about 6am on May 28, last year.

They forced the driver into the back of the cab where he was tied up and assaulted.

The offenders drove the lorry to Newport Pagnell near Milton Keynes, where they stole cigarettes and tobacco.

The driver, who had suffered minor injuries, managed to climb out of the truck and flag down a passing motorist who called police.

Detectives traced the journey of the lorry and discovered a Volkswagen van had been in convoy with it. Enquiries revealed that Lake, of no fixed address, had hired the vehicle the previous day. 

Lake was arrested and charged with kidnap and robbery. He pleaded guilty and was jailed at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (July 24). The other man has not been traced.

Detective Constable Suzanne Pickard, investigating, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the driver who still suffers flashbacks from the incident and has had to leave his job. It was a carefully planned robbery, but thankfully we were able to track down Lake and ensure he was brought to justice."