Motorist who stole cars, then wrote them off in crashes, spared jail by judge - but is already at HMP Winchester

A man who stole cars, wrote them off in various crashes and was eventually caught by police has been spared jail.

But Joshua Latimer, 37 of no fixed abode, is still spending time at HMP Winchester - for a separate offence.

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court via video link, Latimer wore a striped shirt and bright shorts, having already pleaded guilty to two counts of aggrevated vehicle taking, and two counts of stolen goods.

The court heard how on January 13 last year, two cars were reported stolen from an address in Bognor Regis. Both vehicles - a Skoda Octavia and a Kia Soul - were both written off when recovered by police.

On February 21, when police arrested him, he was found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle, namely a Volkswagen Golf. He has been remanded in custody for the past 100 days, and is not due to be released until May 24.

Sentencing, Judge Michael Bowes KC said: “Each of these offences caused visible disress to people. You have a bad record and have now spent quite a long time in custody, having been recalled to prison.

“It’s entirely your fault - you keep commiting offences. It does seem that alcohol addiction is an underlying cause of your offending.

“I’m told you are quite capable of work, and have some kills. Having heard everything about you, and regarding the amount of time you have spent in custody, I’m able to consider a suspended sentence.”

Latimer was sentenced to a consecutive total of 24 months in custody, which was suspended for two years. He must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work, and complete alcohol abstinence monitoring for 90 days.