Three years’ jail for car thief who launched unprovoked attack on cyclist

Portsmouth Crown Court has heard how 19-year-old Jack Andrews blocked a cyclist’s path with a stolen car before getting out and kicking him, breaking the off-duty paramedic’s bike and finger. The unprovoked attack was described as ‘indefensible’ even by the man tasked with defending him.

The Portsmouth News reports how Andrews had taken a Nissan Juke from Beehive Walk, Old Portsmouth, which he then used to block the path of a cyclist who was on his way home. The attack took place in Fratton Road at around 12.20am on January 14.

Prosecutor Adrian Fleming said the victim has since started driving to work and has fears over his safety. “Nothing like this had happened to him before, it was an unprovoked attack. He was not looking for trouble.”

Nick Tucker, defending Andrews – as well as his 26-year-old brother, Daniel Nicholson, who was also in the car – described the attack as ‘disgraceful’ and ‘most unpleasant and indefensible’.

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Following the incident, Andrews deliberately rammed two taxis as he tried to escape.

Judge Ian Pearson described Andrews as a prolific offender and said there were 13 offences for which he would be sentenced, including a string of burglaries.

Of the attack on the cyclist, he said: “The victim, a cyclist, going home minding his own business, was a vulnerable victim, there was a sustained attack on him. He had significant injuries and his role as a paramedic meant he was off work.”

Andrews pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage, using a vehicle without insurance and grievous bodily harm and was jailed for three years.