Car crook Michael Hymes could not believe his luck when he saw an empty BMW with its engine running.
He took the car for a spin and was later arrested for aggravated vehicle taking, Basildon Crown Court heard.
Hymes, 32, pleaded guilty to a series of offences which also included credit car theft and burglary. He asked for three other burglaries to be considered.
His barrister, Wendy Hewitt, said the defendant had led a normal decent life until he got involved with heroin. Hymes, of Shannon Way, Aveley, was jailed for three-and-a-half years and banned from driving for two years.
Published Monday, March 25, 2002
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