Car thief jailed for string of offences (From This Is Local London)

Car thief from Finchley jailed for string of offences

11:45am Thursday 25th March 2010 in Where I Live By Kevin Bradford

A CAR thief who was caught driving while banned has been jailed for two and a half years.

Prolific offender James Mountain, of Woodhouse Road, Finchley, was arrested in January after police spotted him dangerously driving a Vauxhall Astra, which had been reported stolen.

Enquiries revealed 23-year-old Mountain had already been disqualified from driving until 2013 and was on bail for another offence at the time.

He was also in breach of bail conditions which set out he is not to sit in the front seat of any vehicle.

In an effort to evade the pursuing police car, Mountain was recorded travelling at 55mph in a 30mph limit and jumping red traffic lights.

Officers also said the car was unstable because of a puncture to one of the tyres.

Mountain abandoned the vehicle on a grass verge in the Grahame Park estate and escaped.

He was arrested the following day after police were called to an accident involving a stolen car in Farm Road, Finchley. A police search tracked down Mountain nearby and he was taken for questioning at a north London police station.

Wood Green Crown Court heard Mountain was already on a 24 month suspended sentence of 12 months imprisonment for a burglary offence, which a judge at the same court imposed in October last year.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and no Insurance.

He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for the driving offences and will also have to serve an additional year after the Judge imposed the suspended sentence.

Nigel Doyle Officer in case said. “Mountain is only 23 and has already amassed a huge criminal record.

“I am pleased the court has protected residents from his criminal activities in the months to come.”