A motorist who crashed into a fence in a stolen car during a police pursuit in west Belfast has been jailed for eight months.
Martin Dempster claimed that he bought the Mazda 3 from a criminal associate, a judge was told.
The 21-year-old, of Tiree Street in Antrim, admitted taking the vehicle without the owner’s consent, failing to stop for police, handling stolen bank cards and criminal damage.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard PSNI officers observed the Mazda travelling at speed as it approached a roundabout on the Springfield Road on May 6 last year.
The car repeatedly swerved across lanes and made off when police activated emergency lights in a bid to get the driver to stop.
Prosecutors said it headed towards Springhill Drive and then collided with fencing at a residential property in the area.
Dempster got out of the vehicle and attempted to make off from the scene, but was detained a short time later.
Two bank cards found in his pocket had been stolen along with the car.
The vehicle’s owner disclosed it was stolen after one of the doors at his home was left unlocked.
Counsel for Dempster told the court he had no memory of how he obtained the bank cards, but suggested they may have been included in the purchase of the Mazda.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer replied: “I don’t buy that explanation given the coincidence of him possessing cards from the same victim.”
Dempster also pleaded guilty to being on the road without a driving licence and having no insurance.
It was disclosed that his 76 previous convictions include five burglaries and other motoring offences.
His lawyer argued that he endured an “horrific” upbringing which involved being diagnosed with a rare form of psychosis.
“Those are the primary reasons why he has racked up a relevant record,” the barrister added.
Sentencing Dempster to eight months’ custody, Mr Mateer also imposed a two-year driving ban and £600 in fines..
He said: “I am driven to consider the protection of the public from ongoing offending by this individual.”