A chauffeur was robbed of the Mercedes he was driving by a gang of men who threatened to put him in the boot.

Richard Barton had stopped in Aycliffe Road, Borehamwood, in the early hours of the morning to go to a cash machine, but changed his mind when he saw four men lurking there.

They followed him to the car, and grabbed him before taking his wallet and keys.

The chauffeur was told he was going to be put in the boot, but managed to escape and ran off, St Albans crown court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Wayne Cleaver said the four got into the car and drove away. Later, at 4am, a resident in Hawkshead Road in Potters Bar woke after hearing a "loud grating noise".

The car had ended up in an unusual position and four people were seen to get out. He called the police.

When the £30,000 car was examined, it was found that there was significant damage to the near side front wheel and wheel arch. A small fire had also been started in the back of the car.

Brothers John and Joe Winson and Adam Day were located in the area and were arrested.

They denied robbing on Mr Barton on June 16 last year.

That plea was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service after John Winson, 22, of Harris Lane, Shenley, and Adam Day, 43, of Kimpton Close, Potters Bar, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking.

Joe Winson, 23, of Foster House, Maxwell Road, Borehamwood, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

The judge was told the basis of their pleas was that they were not the people who had robbed Mr Barton of the car, but acquired it later that night.

John Winson had nine convictions for 13 offences, including dangerous driving, theft and criminal damage.

Joe Winson had eight convictions for 18 offences, including dangerous driving, two robberies and criminal damage.

Day had three convictions including a sentence of 30 months from Stoke crown court for supplying cocaine with intent. He had been addicted to drugs but, since his arrest for this offence, had taken steps to turn his life around.

Judge Andrew Bright QC said: "I find the acceptance of the basis of plea somewhat surprising."

He sentenced the brothers, who both work for their father, to nine months' jail. The length of time they have spent on remand in custody and on a curfew meant they were not returned to prison. They must also each pay £1,000 costs.

Day, who received support from members of his local church, was sentenced to four months in jail suspended for 18 months.