Thug who dragged woman along road in 'horrific' carjacking caught in Coventry

[dutchman]

Peter Willday was arrested in Coventry after being identified on CCTV



A man who dragged a helpless woman along the road in a 'horrific' carjacking has been jailed. Peter Willday was arrested in Coventry after being spotted on CCTV.

Willday targeted the unsuspecting victim on Station Road in Balsall Common. She had been with a friend who had popped into nearby shops on the afternoon of Friday, August 23, 2024.

Willday had been loitering for nearly an hour before he seized his opportunity and jumped into the unlocked car, West Midlands Police said. He shouted at the woman, who was a passenger in the vehicle, to get out, but she started 'panicking' and refused.

She desperately tried to grab her two dogs. But Willday 'recklessly' reversed the car into the main road, hitting a parked car and almost colliding with another, West Midlands Police said.

When Willday accelerated, the victim was dragged along the road before falling out of the car. She was not seriously injured but did suffer a seizure and remains 'traumatised.'

Willday released the two dogs shortly after the carjacking and travelled to Coventry. Both were safely returned to their owner and found to be uninjured.

Police trawled CCTV which led them to Willday, who was arrested in Coventry. He was found in possession of a knife and charged with a string of offences to which he pleaded guilty at Coventry Crown Court.

Willday admitted to the Balsall Common carjacking, stealing another car a couple of days before and shoplifting from Sainsburys. He also admitted possession of a knife, dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

At Coventry Crown Court, Willday was sentenced to seven and a half years in jail. He was handed a three-year driving ban which will be enforced when the 39-year-old is released.

Detective Constable Courtney Martin said: “It was a horrific incident for both women who were simply out enjoying the nice weather together. To this day, they are still recovering from the trauma of what happened.

“I hope this sentence offers them some peace and closure. To anyone thinking of committing crimes like this, know that we will pursue you and do everything we can to get justice for victims.”