A NORTHOLT man was this week sentenced to seven years in prison by Isleworth Crown Court for robbery and seizing a car.

Akeel Shakeel, 25, of Langtry Road, had previously pleaded guilty in March.

It was in December last year that two men, aged 19 and 18, were parking a black VW Polo in Saxon Road, Southall when they were approached by two others who asked what they were doing there.

They suggested they had interrupted a drug deal and asked to get in the car. One suspect pulled a knife out of his pocket.

The men were made to drive around for several hours though Southall, Hounslow, Wembley, South Harrow and Hayes.

Shakeel was picked up along the way and sat in the back holding a knife at the two men.

During the drive, one of the suspects said he needed the toilet. As the driver got out, one of the suspects jumped into the front of the car.

The driver was pushed into the back as the suspect drove off at speed.

The two men were eventually released in Rostrevor Gardens, Hounslow. Both were forced to hand over their phones and wallets.

The stolen car was later found abandoned and damaged in Shore Road, Feltham. Shakeel's DNA was identified on it and he was subsequently arrested.

Det Con Gurbinder Kaur, of Ealing CID, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the two men. I am glad Shakeel has been handed a significant sentence.”