VICTIMS of a crook who was jailed for a carjacking spree across Southend and Basildon said they have ‘struggled to drive alone’ after the incident.

Levi Whalley, 33, of no fixed abode, was jailed for five years following a trial into offences that took place last September.

A jury found Whalley guilty of robbery and attempted robbery which saw two elderly women targeted and another man’s car hijacked.

During the trial, Whalley attempted to claim he was “possessed” and couldn’t be accountable for the crimes.

Following Whalley’s sentencing, victim impact statements were read out to the court by prosecutor Nate Toms.

One victim said: “The crime has had an immense impact on my husband and I, the week after the incident I had problems getting to sleep.

“I would wake up at three, four and five am bursting into tears as I was reliving it all.

“When I’m driving in my car I’m fine but when I get to the traffic lights where it happens I burst into tears again.

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“It’s totally knocked my confidence, I visited my friend for a cup of tea and came back when it was getting to dusk, I was anxious and my legs were like jelly.”

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.

Another victim said: “Prior to this happening I was living a carefree life but I am struggling to believe this has happened to me.

“I did not think anything like this could happen, I’m still in shock and keep questioning why. I’ve been suffering from anxiety and this has only made it worse.

“I’ve had injuries, mainly bruising to my body but I have pain when I sit down and my shoulder and hip are in pain.”

Whalley was jailed for five years on October 23 following a trial in Basildon Crown Court.