Jail for Carlisle couple who threatened to 'bury' man

A Carlisle couple have been jailed for their roles in the violent robbery of a man who was detained in a moving van against his will.

Victim David Purdie was attacked and threatened, having been offered a lift home from the city centre on September 30 last year.

Anthony Lee McAllister, 30, was a passenger, while his 34-year-old wife, Claire Nicola Boswell, was driving.

During the journey Mr Purdie was punched repeatedly by McAllister, who rifled through his pockets and stole belongings along with Boswell after she pulled the vehicle over.

Carlisle Crown Court heard threats were made to strip Mr Purdie, take him into the countryside, bury him and leave him there.

Fearing for his life, the victim leapt from the moving vehicle as it was driven at almost 40mph. He was left injured and later had nightmares.

Boswell and McAllister were sentenced today (31 January) having each admitted a robbery charge and a string of driving crimes.

McAllister, of Caldbeck Road, and Boswell, of Petteril Terrace, both Carlisle, were each jailed for five years and five months.

Judge Tony Lancaster told the heroin-using couple: "This offence was a particularly unpleasant one."

Cumbria Police praised the courage and co-operation of the victim.