Violent Car Thief Jailed for Nearly Eight Years in Hertfordshire Crime Spree
A dangerous offender behind a shocking car theft rampage across Hertfordshire has finally been locked up for seven years and nine months.
James Heany stood before St Albans Crown Court and admitted a string of violent crimes, including robbery, attempted robbery, carrying a knife, common assault, public order offences, and dangerous driving.
Knife-Point Carjackings and Reckless Getaways
On 20 August 2024, Heany kicked off his terror by threatening a man at knifepoint in London Colney before stealing his Ford Mondeo. He then sped wildly towards the A405 North Orbital Road near the M1, crashing into multiple vehicles. When the Mondeo broke down, Heany ditched the car and launched an attack on seven other motorists. He menaced them with a knife, jumped on car bonnets, and even punched one victim in the face.
Earlier that year, on 13 March, Heany targeted a lone woman in Watford’s Tim Hortons car park. Threatening her with a knife, he stole her vehicle and later crashed it. Police revealed the victim was “terrified and fearing for her life.”
Victims Left Traumatized, Police Launch Full Hunt
Many of the victims were just going about their normal daily lives with young families when they were attacked. The police mounted a massive response with helicopter support and sniffer dogs to track Heany down after the August rampage.
Though he initially escaped arrest, cops cracked the case using dashcam footage and DNA.
Heany’s Guilty Plea and Police Reaction
Heany pleaded guilty to:
- Two robberies (Watford and St Albans)
- Seven attempted robberies
- Possession of a bladed article
- Common assault
- Public order offences
- Dangerous driving
He has been banned from driving.
A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson 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.”
