A thief has been jailed after he stole a car and drove it dangerously while failing to stop for police on the M20.

Michael Ward was in Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, at about 1pm on Monday, December 18, when he took the opportunity to steal a Ford Mondeo which was parked with the keys in the ignition while its owner was unloading shopping.

The 35-year-old, of Templar Drive, Thamesmead, drove to a petrol station on Ashford Road, Maidstone, where he attempted to pay for £20 of fuel with a bank card that was declined.

After telling the cashier he would get another card from the car, he drove away without paying.

Officers spotted the Mondeo on the London-bound carriageway of the M20 and, using blue lights and sirens, required the driver to stop.

Ward refused to pull over and moved to the hard-shoulder travelling at speeds of around 80mph.

The car left the motorway at junction 4, travelling towards Kingshill,and then turned against the flow of traffic at a roundabout.

At this point, the police car and Mondeo crashed as the officers attempted to stop the vehicle to protect other motorists.

The Mondeo turned back towards the M20, leaving the police patrol unable to continue.

A member of the public stopped and gave one of the officers a lift to the motorway where the officer saw the Mondeo stationary at the bottom of the slip road and Ward walking towards him.

He was seen to drop keys and a satellite navigation device from the Mondeo on the ground and the officer arrested him on suspicion of theft and failing to stop after a collision.

He was subsequently charged with a number of offences.

Ward pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, taking a car without consent, disqualified driving and making off without payment.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to a total of 14 months in prison.

Speaking after the sentencing, PC William Purse said: "Ward is an opportunist criminal who did not hesitate to steal the vehicle and then risk the safety of other road users by driving in a dangerous and highly irresponsible manner.

"I would like to commend the member of the public who assisted and also the lorry driver who stopped to help while I detained Ward at the roadside.

"My colleague who remained with the damaged police car was also grateful for those who stopped and enquired into his welfare."