Boy racer David Neville's obsession with fast cars has put him on the road to a 21-month sentence at a young offenders' institution.
He began his latest bout of car crimes by driving a BMW after its keys were stolen in a burglary at Grays.
Neville, 20, was later seen at the wheel of a Rover stolen from a house in the town.
Ten days afterwards he was a passenger in another car which rammed a police car at Lakeside, Thurrock.
Neville made off from two petrol stations without paying for fuel, prosecutor Ben Tonner told Basildon Crown Court. Neville used a stolen credit card after burgling the Formula One hotel at Weston Road, West Thurrock.
Neville, of Alderton Road, Orsett, was seen by police at his girlfriend's home. He ran away, but was arrested.
Neville pleaded guilty to handling the cars and credit card. He also admitted burglary, the petrol offence and two counts of driving while disqualified. He was said to have a string of previous car crime convictions.
Neville, who was also banned for 18 months, was said to have been in custody since his arrest in August.
Published Monday January 12, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article