Quick-thinking driver able to foil armed car hijackers

May 28 2009

TWO armed robbers who hijacked a car at gunpoint were foiled by a quick-thinking driver, a court heard.

Brave Andrew Robertson (56) was supposed to be taking his assailants to his house to collect his wallet.

He told Robert Blakeway and Alan Lynn that he lived in Windmillhill Street, knowing this was the address of Motherwell’s police headquarters.

“He was so terrified that he had in mind the idea of driving the car straight through the front door of the police station,” advocate depute Derick Nelson, prosecuting, told the High Court in Edinburgh.

However, as Mr Robertson approached a mini-roundabout he spotted an approaching police car, the advocate depute told the High Court.

“Mr Robertson pulled into the inside lane, drove over the roundabout and accelerated towards the traffic car while sounding his horn,” said Mr Nelson.

“The police traffic car had to accelerate to avoid being hit and then stopped.”

Mr Robertson jumped out of his silver Ford Fiesta yelling at the police officers in the traffic car: “They’ve got a gun. They’ve just held me up.”

Blakeway (27) and Lynn (25) tried to run for it but the police officers pursued the fleeing pair in traffic car.

Lynn was brought to the ground by blows from a police baton as he tried to draw the handgun from the waistband of his trousers, the High Court was told

Blakeway of 60 Community Road, and Lynn of 6 Knivysbridge, both Bellshill, Lanarkshire pleaded guilty to a charge of abduction and robbery on January 24.

Lynn also admitted having a firearm with intent to make officers, Alasdair Marshall and Ross Halliday, believe violence would be used against them.

He also admitted breaching the Firearms Act by possessing the weapon after serving a long jail sentence.

The High Court heard that manager Mr Robertson’s ordeal began when he took the family dog for a walk in Strathclyde Park, Motherwell, that Saturday afternoon.

Just after 2pm, with the dog back in the car he began the drive home.

As he reached traffic lights at the corner of Hamilton Road and slowed down Blakeway came up to the car and asked for directions to a bus stop.

As he spoke, Lynn slid into the front passenger seat and put his pistol against Mr Robertson’s head.

“Mr Robertson was terrified and assumed the gun was real,” said Mr Nelson.

Lynn, his face hidden by a scarf and hood demanded Mr Robertson’s wallet which he told them was at home - although he managed to slip it down the back of his jeans.

But Lynn found a loose ten pound note and a five pound note and £2.51 in change, which he took.

He then ordered Mr Robertson to drive home.

“Get to your house. Tell your wife we’re your mates,” Lynn said.

The High Court was also told of a tally of mistakes made by the robbers.

During the short journey Lynn lit a cigarette and passed it to Blakeway.

It was later found to have traces of the DNA of both men who carried out the carjacking.

Blakeway helped himself to a pair of sheepskin gloves belonging to Mr Robertson’s wife, which he found in the car.

He was still wearing them when stopped by police.

And Lynn’s carbon-dioxide powered pistol would not work.

Lord Brailsford was told that Blakeway had a record of 40 minor previous convictions and was on bail at the time.

Lynn has served prison sentences for offences of robbery and serious assault.

The judge called for background reports and remanded the pair in custody until next month when they are due to be sentenced.