A GOOD Samaritan was the victim of a car jacking after he offered to help three men trying to jump-start a car in the early hours, a court heard.

Andrew Wilkinson, 42, didn’t know the Volkswagen Sirocco Bradley Duke, Lee Foster, both 20, and Aaron George, 18, were attempting to get going was stolen.

He got the trio some petrol, towed them to a turning circle in Burnley and was then attacked and his car stolen.

His £6,000 Subaru Estate was later found burned out, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Mr Wilkinson was punched and kicked repeatedly in the incident as he tried to help the gang.

Duke, of Colne Road, Foster of Waterbarn Street, both Burnley and George of Princess Street, Nelson, who has 160 previous convictions, all admitted taking a vehicle without consent.

Foster also pleaded guilty to robbery and his co-defendants admitted theft.

Foster was sent to prison for three and-a-half years, George was given 22 months and Duke, who had a previous conviction for attempted robbery, received 20 months.

Duke and George were also re-sentenced for previously imposed community orders.

Francis McEntee, prosecuting, told the court Mr Wilkinson was awoken at his home in Briercliffe by loud music and the sound of a car engine.

Mr Wilkinson went outside, got his Subaru and connected the trio’s jump leads to his vehicle.

Somebody said the Sirocco was low on petrol and the victim went and got some from his garage and handed it over to one of the defendants for £5. The car still wouldn't start.

Mr McEntee said Mr Wilkinson offered to tow the defendants and they asked him to take them to Harle Syke.

The victim towed the three for a mile to the junction of Halifax Road and Nelson Road, slowed down and asked where the party wanted dropping off.

They pointed to a bus turning circle.

Mr Wilkinson was removing the tow-rope from the back of the Subaru when he was grabbed from behind by Foster and pulled to the ground.

Once the victim was down he was then kicked in the head.

He then saw his car being driven off.