A 24-YEAR-OLD man who led police on a chase which reached 100mph around Newent while he was on parole from prison has been sent back to jail.

Steven Scarrott was at the wheel of a Vauxhall Vectra which had been taken from the owner’s driveway in Worcester.

But two days after it was taken, Scarrott of no fixed abode, but living in the Newent area, drove it onto the forecourt of Highleadon Garage, and made off without paying for £35 worth of fuel.

Prosecutor Janine Wood said that a couple of hours later police spotted the car on Bridge Street in Newent and signalled it to stop.

Instead it sped off and officers gave chase.

"It reached speeds of up to 100mph in a 50mph zone," said Mrs Wood.

"The defendant made some highly dangerous manoeuvres as the pursuit went on along the B4215.

"The car at one stage skidded out of control and hit both kerbs, blowing one of its tyres. It left two large holes in the hedge but still carried on. Eventually it pulled up and he was arrested."

Scarrott pleaded guilty to aggravated taking of the vehicle and making off from the petrol station without paying.

The Recorder Richard Smith QC sentenced him to nine months jail and banned him from driving for 18 months.

For the full story buy The Forester.