A MAN was jailed for five years following a carjacking spree along the A127 in Southend and Basildon last year.

Levi Whalley, 33, of no fixed abode was charged for the carjacking offences which took place last September.

Whalley was charged with events on September 26 which saw him rob a victim’s car in Leigh, hijack another’s car near the Nevendon Roundabout in Basildon and finally try to steal a victim’s car in Upper Mayne Road, Basildon, before he was detained by civilians and arrested.

A week-long trial in Basildon Crown Court saw a jury unanimously conclude Whalley was guilty of the offences on Monday, October 23.

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Judge Ian Graham, said: “I am justified in increasing the lead sentence and will not hand consecutive sentences as these offences took place during one event.

“There is also a concern of the defendant targeting vulnerable victims as two of the victims were elderly women.”

Whalley punched one of the victims in the face when robbing her car, an elderly woman in Leigh.

He also threatened to stab another victim if they didn’t hand over their car.

The victim responded: “If you stab me, we’re both dead.”

The final victim tussled with Whalley before being thrown out of her car, however she recovered her car key before the defendant could drive away.

Whalley was detained by civilians before police arrived and he was arrested.