A CHIPPENHAM man who took a car on a test drive with the vehicle’s owner threatened to kill the victim with what he believed to be a gun.

27-year-old Callum Foster, of no fixed abode, met a car owner in Bath on May 19 under the illusion that he wanted to take the victim’s Jaguar XF for a test drive.

Foster, who told the victim that he wanted to buy the car, suggested they travel to Devizes to collect the cash.

He then took the victim onto Salisbury Plain, where he threatened him with what the victim believed was a gun, telling him he had been sent to kill him.

Foster then drove the victim to Bradford-on-Avon train station, where he left him and took the car.

READ MORE: 15 newborn kittens abandoned- as rescue centre says incidents are increasing

READ MORE: Salisbury to see increased police patrols to curb shop theft and violence

The vehicle and Foster were located and arrested at Leigh Delamere services off the M4 the following day.

A second man, who was in the vehicle when it was stopped, was also arrested but later released without charge.

Foster was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for robbery and driving offences and also given six points on his licence and ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Detective Sergeant Toni Nugent said: “This was a hugely distressing incident for the victim. Foster caused the victim to fear that violence would be used against him if he didn’t comply. He then went on to steal his car.

“The car had been advertised for sale, and through trusting a stranger, the victim was taken advantage of.

“Many police units and departments worked together to ensure this case came to court, where Foster pleaded guilty to all offences. I hope this sentence brings some reassurance to the victim.”

Click here for more crime news from your Salisbury & Avon Gazette.