"This has affected me. I have flashbacks."
Nazakat Hussain, of Stechford, Birmingham, was jailed for four years and three months for vehicle theft, including stealing one during a test drive.
Stafford Crown Court heard he had been stealing cars for others in order to fund his heroin and cocaine addiction.
The first incident took place on June 23, 2019.
Hussain pretended he was interested in buying a Nissan that cost £38,498.
Under a false name, Hussain went on a test drive with the victim in Lichfield. He later turned up with a friend for another drive.
After giving him a drink at his house, the man took Hussain and his friend for a test drive.
The man drove while Hussain sat in the passenger seat and the friend was in the back.
The prosecutor said: “The man felt something press against his neck and turned to see a black pistol.
“Hussain told him to pull over, took his phone, then they both drove off.”
The victim later recognised Hussain in a local newspaper appeal. The DNA from the glass matched him and he picked Hussain out in an identity parade.
The friend was also identified but was acquitted at a trial.
Hussain was released on bail but on April 8, 2021, another man had left his car at his grandfather’s house in Clement Street, Nuneaton.
He locked the car and was going inside when Hussain grabbed the keys out of his hand and stole the car.
The victim got in another car and followed him, causing Hussain to crash. The man detained him until police arrived.
Hussain pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm in relation to the first incident. For the second incident, Hussain pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and driving without insurance.
It was heard that Hussain has 14 convictions for 24 offences.
In an impact statement, the first victim said:
“This has affected me. I have flashbacks. I cannot get it out of my head. I have to take tablets. I get angry and have to numb the pain.”
Hussain’s defence said: “He left school early and fell in with the wrong crowd and became addicted to Class A drugs and spiralled into crime to fund the addiction.
“To repay drug debt he was stealing cars for others.
“Between 2007 and 2015 with help from his family, he managed to remain away from drugs and offending.
“He was a courier driver and comes from a respectable family. He has two brothers in the police force and his sister is a driving instructor.
“They help him but he says he is the black sheep of the family.
“His addiction resurfaced and he has attempted to confront his addiction.”
“He has engaged with Pathways and is enrolled on a business studies course in prison.
“He is determined to make the time count for something positive.
“His wife of five years died from Covid in Pakistan leaving a five-year-old boy who lives with her parents. His father was hospitalised with Covid.
“He feels he is letting down those closest to him. It is evident he is looking back and realises what a complete waste he has made of his life so far.”
Judge Kristina Montgomery told Hussain:
“You answered no comment in interview but science proved your downfall.
“Your victim is suffering the impact and has suffered an emotional response to what was a frightening experience.
“You were on bail at the time. Then you are released from prison and commit another offence.
“[The second victim] was courageous enough to pursue you and cause you to crash the car.
“He has said how anxious he is when driving his car now and how cautious he is when strangers are near him.”
Hussain was jailed for four years and three months. He also received a two-year driving ban which begins after his release.
Hussain must also take an extended retest.
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