A thief who threatened a workman before stealing his van in Peterborough has been jailed.

Cambridgeshire police say that Leonard Devall (28) approached the workman who was sitting in his van in Northfield Road, Millfield.

A police spokesperson said that Devall, of Whitsed Street, Eastfield, Peterborough, had demanded £50 from the man and then became aggressive.

He said: “The frightened victim handed over £20 and tried to call police.

“However, Devall grabbed the man’s phone and took the key out of the ignition.

“The man got out of the vehicle to escape and Devall drove off.”

The incident happened on November 27 last year but, say police, in a separate incident, on January 14, Devall took a Mercedes A180 which had been left running to defrost in Brynmore, Bretton, Peterborough.

The spokesman said: “Police were called and he was arrested having abandoned the car in Saxonbury Way, Fletton, Peterborough.”

Police say that at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, Devall admitted theft of motor vehicle, theft and taking a vehicle without consent and was jailed for nine months on March 2.

Afterwards, PC Levi Peynado said: "Devall’s behaviour was opportunistic and completely unacceptable.

“The victim in the first case was threatened while simply going about his work.

"I’m pleased Devall was identified and has now faced justice.”