Man jailed after driver assaulted and car stolen in Bournemouth
A man has been jailed after he assaulted a driver in the street and stole their vehicle.
Joshua Luke Wadley, aged 34, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 20 months in jail on Friday 18 September 2026 after being found guilty of aggravated vehicle taking following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
On Wednesday 15 October 2025 at around 5.25pm, police were called to Windsor Road in Boscombe following reports a man had been assaulted and his car subsequently stolen.
The victim had been sat in his stationary vehicle when the defendant approached the car and dragged him out of it after attempting to steal his bag.
The defendant then assaulted the victim in the road before getting into the vehicle and driving away, throwing the victim to the floor in the process. The victim suffered a broken rib and nose, as well as bruising and grazes.
Following enquiries, officers arrested Wadley later that evening in the Bournemouth area.
Police Constable Ted Carlton, of the Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim who was very lucky not to have been more seriously injured.
“Officers responded quickly to arrest the defendant, and I am pleased we have been able to bring him to justice.”
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