Chapman, 23, of no fixed address, had been seen on CCTV early on March 21 stealing a car from a driveway on Stoke Road, Guildford. Later, witnesses said Chapman was seen driving very dangerously and overtaking at 60mph in a 30mph area.

But he lost control at high speed on a bend and hit a parked car, badly damaging both vehicles. He fled the scene and a wanted appeal resulted in information that led to his arrest on April 7.

At sentencing on Monday, May 17, Chapman pleaded guilty to:

• Three counts of driving while disqualified;
• Fraud by false representation;
• Theft of a motor vehicle;
• Dangerous driving;
• Two counts of driving with no insurance;
• Failure to stop; and
• Failure to report an accident.

Chapman will also have to take an extended driving test before he can get a licence.

PC Emily Collier, said: “This incident could have easily been a lot more serious and we will not tolerate those who steal cars and whose behaviour behind the wheel recklessly endangers the lives of others.

“We will always deal robustly with offenders and this court result demonstrates that.”