A CAR thief who was caught driving a stolen Peugeot dangerously in Woodstock has been jailed.

Prolific offender Edward Parker had been given a second chance for the string of theft and driving offences but he was locked up yesterday after committing further crimes of fraud.

The 39-year-old of Middle Park Way, Havant, had already admitted dangerous driving, three thefts, aggravated vehicle taking, fraud and driving without a licence or insurance.

He was sentenced for that spree of crimes at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

Prosecutors said that Parker committed the first offence at a Tesco in Petersfield, Hampshire, on August 6.

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He stole numerous items from the store totalling £43.70.

Then on October 12 in Hampshire he took a black Peugeot vehicle which was parked in a car park.

He was later seen driving that stolen car dangerously in Woodstock where he fled from officers in a police chase.

Eventually, the car, which had signs of damage on it, was stopped and Parker was found to have been driving with no licence or insurance.

He also went on to admit to stealing number plates in the crime spree.

After those offences he was handed a deferred sentence and given a chance but he went on to commit more offences of fraud by using stolen bank cards in March.

It was revealed at his sentencing hearing that Parker has a total of 82 previous crimes to his name.

In mitigation defence barrister Adrian Amer said that his client 'knows full well that he has stuffed it up.'

He added: "He know that he faces an immediate custodial sentence."

Sentencing, Judge Peter Ross ordered a jail term totalling 28 months.

Parker was also disqualified from driving for three years, with a 14-month extension period, and he must pay a victim surcharge.