A man who stole a car and threatened several drivers near Watford and St Albans has been jailed for seven years and nine months.
James Heany, 27, previously from Watford, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday 17 April. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and two months and must pass an extended test if he wants to drive again.
The court heard how Heany stole a Ford Mondeo at knifepoint from a man in Telford Road, London Colney, at around 5.40pm on Tuesday 20 August last year. He drove dangerously, crashing into several cars along the A405 North Orbital Road near the M1 junction, before abandoning the vehicle when it broke down.
Heany then attempted to rob seven other people of their cars, threatening them with a knife, jumping on their bonnets and punching one victim in the face.
The court also heard about a separate incident earlier that year. Just after midnight on 13 March, Heany approached a young woman in Tim Hortons’ car park in North Western Avenue, Watford. He threatened her with a knife, stole her car and later crashed it.
Detective Constable Julie Vint, from Watford’s Local Crime Unit, said: “The woman was terrified and feared for her life. A further man has been charged and is awaiting trial in July 2026 for aggravated vehicle taking in connection with this incident.”
Sergeant Krisztina Gulyas, from the St Albans Local Crime Unit, said of the August incidents: “One of the victims describes feeling frantic and scared, and she feared for her life. The impact of Heany’s actions has had a lasting effect on these drivers, some with young families who were just going about their daily business on 20 August last year.”
A large police response involving a helicopter and dogs was launched after the August offences, but Heany initially evaded capture. Detectives from the Local Crime Unit, supported by retired Detective Sergeant Ian Siggery, tracked him down and arrested him in Waterhouse Street, Hemel Hempstead, on Thursday 10 October.
Sergeant Gulyas added: “Heany was identified as the man responsible having been caught on dashcam footage and placed at the scene using DNA evidence. He denied the charges but quickly changed his plea due to the overwhelming evidence against him.”
Heany pleaded guilty to two robberies, seven attempted robberies, possession of a knife, common assault, public order offences and dangerous driving. He was remanded in custody following his arrest.
DC Vint said: “We are pleased that Heany has been given a lengthy sentence with recorder David Mayall taking into account his previous offending, which was terrifying for the young woman in Watford, and we hope it brings some comfort to the people Heany terrorised in August last year and all the motorists who had to witness such frightening actions.”
Edward Wilkins is a reporter for Harrow Online specialising in breaking news, live incidents and crime reporting across Harrow. His coverage includes emergency service incidents, court cases, road traffic collisions and major developing stories.
