A disqualified motorist caught driving dangerously in a stolen car is back behind bars after fleeing from police first in the car and then on a bike.

James Brewer, who has numerous motoring convictions, drove the Fiat Punto across a grassed area between residential streets as he fled from police.

But the 37-year-old grandad was caught when his DNA was found inside the car after he fled from the scene in the middle of the night.

Rosie Collins, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court on Friday how the car had been stolen from outside a house in late May this year.

She said the owner discovered the spare set of keys were also missing but wasn't sure how they had gone.

At about 4am on Thursday, May 30, police in a patrol car spotted the Punto being driven by Brewer close to Weavers Drive in Trowbridge.

As they tried to pull it over the vehicle went across a grassed area and footpaths on to Broadcloth Lane where the officers found it soon after, parked up and locked.

They then saw Brewer riding up on a pushbike before cycling away at speed.

He was arrested at a house on Weavers Drive, and when questioned he initially denied he had been in the car but once the forensic link had been proven he admitted buying the key to it for £20.

"He said he couldn't remember how well or badly he drove as he was so drugged up," she told the court.

Brewer, of Dorset Crescent, Melksham, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, theft, handling stolen goods, driving while disqualified and without insurance, and also asked for the theft of a stolen Peugeot van to be taken into consideration He has numerous motoring convictions, including more than 46 for driving while disqualified and five for dangerous or reckless driving and he was jailed for two years and four months by Judge Tim Mousley QC.

He also banned him from the road for five years, and until he has passed an extended driving test.

DC Kevin Gollege said: "This man completely ignored the safety of others to avoid being caught himself.

"What unfolded was a continued tale of complete disregard for the law and a desire for one thing, personal gain at the cost of others."