A MAN driving a stolen £17,000 Mercedes car led police on a high speed chase as he tried to escape the officers pursuing him.

Anthony Jones raced through a rural village in Monmouthshire at around 80mph before he abandoned the vehicle and was arrested hiding in a bush.

Newport Crown Court heard the defendant has spent much of his life behind bars after racking up 19 previous convictions for 53 offences.

Jones, 35, of Elgam Avenue, Blaenavon, was on licence when he committed his latest crimes.

Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir said he was released from prison in June 2019 after being jailed for 54 months for conspiracy to burgle with intent to steal.

Jones pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial to handling the stolen Mercedes 220 and dangerous driving in Glangrwyney, near Abergavenny.

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He also admitted failing to stop for a police officer.

The offences took place on September 13, 2020.

Thomas Stanway, representing the defendant, said Jones was an expectant father whose partner was 14 weeks pregnant.

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He told the court his client was self-employed and worked in the motor trade for a driver recovery and repairs business.

Mr Stanway added: “The car was only with him for a short period. It had been dropped off that day.”

The judge, Recorder David Elias QC, told Jones: “You knew or suspected that the car was stolen.

“You had been working on it and were driving in it.

“When you realised the police were on to you, you sped off.

Recorder Elias added: “You drove at ridiculous speeds through a village that was relatively built up and then through dark winding country lanes.

“You drove in excess of 70-80mph where there was a speed reduction of 30mph in the village.

“It was lucky for you and anyone else that you didn’t cause any damage or injury.”

Jones was jailed for 15 months, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £600 prosecution costs and a £156 surcharge.

The defendant was also banned from driving for two years.