Van thief jailed

A thief who stole a workman’s van in Peterborough has been jailed.

Leonard Devall, 28, approached the victim as he sat in the vehicle in Northfield Road, Millfield, on 27 November.

Devall demanded £50 and became aggressive. The frightened victim handed over £20 and tried to call police.

However, Devall grabbed the man’s phone and took the key out of the ignition. 

The man got out of the vehicle to escape and Devall drove off.

In a separate incident, on 14 January, Devall took a Mercedes A180 which had been left running to defrost in Brynmore, Bretton, Peterborough.

Police were called and he was arrested having abandoned the car in Saxonbury Way, Fletton, Peterborough.

Devall, of Whitsed Street, Eastfield, Peterborough admitted theft of motor vehicle, theft and taking a vehicle without consent.

On Monday, 2 March, at Peterborough Magistrates' Court he was jailed for nine months.

PC Levi Peynado said: "Devall’s behaviour was opportunistic and completely unacceptable.

“The victim in the first case was threatened while simply going about his work. I’m pleased Devall was identified and has now faced justice.”

Photo: Leonard Devall