A GUNMAN who hijacked a car with a toddler inside as he fled a bungled armed robbery was starting a prison sentence last night.

Barry Lynn, 24, on the run from police, threatened a woman driver with a sawn-off shotgun, then sped off across Gateshead in her car, with her two-year-old daughter still strapped in the back.

Lynn, of Aldwick Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, was yesterday found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of robbery, kidnap, two counts of aggravated vehicle taking and four firearms offences. He was jailed for 20 years.

Lynn's accomplice, Derek Oetting, 28, of Two Ball Lonnen, Cowgate, Newcastle, was found guilty of robbery, aggravated vehicle taking and two firearms offences. He was jailed for 15 years.

Four other people connected with the case are due to be sentenced today.

Sarah Louise Ayre, 28, and Maurice Stevens, 33, both of Fernwood Road, Lemington, Newcastle; Graham Bowes, 42, of Jobling Avenue, Winlaton, Gateshead; and Graham Bowes, 20, of Aldwick Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, have all admitted assisting an offender.

The hijacking took place after an armed robbery went wrong outside the Costco store in Mandela Way, Dunston, Gateshead, on February 4.