A career criminal led police on a high speed chase through a village in a stolen £17,000 Mercedes, a court heard.

Anthony Jones, aged 35, of Elgam Avenue, Blaenavon was on licence at the time having been released from a four-and-a-half-year jail term for conspiracy to burgle.

Newport Crown Court heard how police gave chase after spotting him in the stolen vehicle after dark, when Jones raced off at speeds of up to 80mph through Glangrwyney near Gilwern, between Abergavenny and Crickhowell.

Eventually he abandoned the car and police found him hiding in a bush.

The court was told that Jones had 19 previous convictions for 53 offences, and had spent a considerable part of his life behind bars.

He admitted handling the stolen car and dangerous driving on September 13, 2020, on the second day of his trial having initially pleaded not guilty.

Recorder David Elias QC told Jones he had driven at “ridiculous speeds” through a village and along dark winding country lanes, and it was “lucky” no one had been injured or damage caused.

“You knew or suspected that the car was stolen,” said the judge. “You had been working on it and were driving in it. When you realised the police were on to you, you sped off.

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

Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir said Jones had been released from jail on licence 15 months before the new offences.

Thomas Stanway, defending, said Jones was working for a driver recovery and repairs business, and his partner was expecting their child.

“The car was only with him for a short period. It had been dropped off that day,” he said.

The defendant was jailed for 15 months, suspended for two years, ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for two years.

Jones must also complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £756 in costs and a victim surcharge.