A violent offender who carried out a terrifying car theft spree across Hertfordshire has been jailed for more than seven years.
James Heany was sentenced to a total of seven years and nine months’ imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court after admitting a series of violent offences, including robbery, attempted robbery, possession of a knife, common assault, public order offences, and dangerous driving.
On 20 August 2024, Heany stole a Ford Mondeo by threatening a man at knifepoint in London Colney. He then drove the stolen car dangerously, crashing into several vehicles as he sped towards the A405 North Orbital Road near the M1 junction. When the Mondeo broke down, Heany abandoned it and attempted to rob seven other motorists, threatening them with a knife, jumping on their bonnets, and punching one man in the face.
Earlier in the year, on 13 March, Heany also approached a lone young woman in the car park of Tim Hortons on Watford’s A41, threatening her at knifepoint before stealing her car and later crashing it. The victim was left “terrified and fearing for her life,” police said.
The series of attacks left a lasting emotional impact on the victims, many of whom were going about their normal daily routines with young families when they were targeted.
A huge police operation, involving a helicopter and police dogs, was launched after the August incident. Though Heany initially evaded capture, investigators later identified him through dashcam footage and DNA evidence.
Heany pleaded guilty to:
- Two robberies (one in Watford and one in St Albans)
- Seven attempted robberies
- Possession of a bladed article
- Common assault
- Public order offences
- Dangerous driving
He has also been disqualified from driving.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: “James Heany’s violent and reckless actions put numerous members of the public in danger and caused widespread fear. We hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to his victims.”
