Internet car sellers were targeted by addict thief

A DRUG addict criminal who posed as a car buyer before robbing people of their vehicles has been jailed for four years and eight months.

Adam Coleman, 27, contacted two victims through the Autotrader website and threatened a member of staff at the JCT car garage in Apperley Bridge.

Leeds Crown Court heard Coleman took a Subaru Impreza from one man after tricking him into getting out of the car, which was later found badly damaged.

Two days later he made threats to a JCT 600 salesman and took a Renault Clio. He also took a Vauxhall Astra worth £7,800 after contacting an internet seller.

Coleman, of no fixed address, admitted two offences of robbery and one of aggravated vehicle taking.

Simon Hustler, for Coleman, said his client had been addicted to drugs and committed the offences to pay drug debts.

Coleman had become drugs free while on remand.