A JOYRIDER who stole a £20,000 car and crashed into a police vehicle before leading officers on a chase has been jailed.

Brian Mitchell, 28, pinched the Ford Kuga from Kilbarchan but rammed a cop car after he was pulled over in Paisley.

He then ditched the car and ran off along a cycle path before jumping on to a railway line and hiding in a signal box.

READ MORE: Opportunistic thief nabbed after police pursuit through Renfrewshire

The details emerged last week when he appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court to admit his guilt over the events of December 6 last year.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to stealing the Kuga, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, dangerous driving and running from police.

Charges that he failed to stop for police and punched an officer in the face were dropped.

Procurator fiscal depute Keri Marshall told the court John and Helen Miller were at home in Kilbarchan on the morning in question when Mrs Miller saw her downstairs door closing.

Ms Marshall said: “She opened the front door and observed a white male – about 5ft 4ins, dressed in dark clothing – gaining entry to her husband’s motor vehicle. That was the accused.

“The witness, John Miller, heard his wife shouting and attended round to the front door and observed the accused sitting in their motor vehicle, attempting to start it.” 

The couple tried to get Mitchell out of the car but he drove off and the police were alerted.

Later that day, officers spotted him driving through Paisley and pursued him in several cars.

Mitchell pulled over but when officers approached the vehicle he reversed into a police car and took off again. He abandoned the car in Spey Avenue and fled on foot.

Ms Marshall said: “He made his way along a cycle track to Elderslie on foot, having fled the stolen vehicle. Police officers saw the accused on the railway line.”

A police helicopter saw Mitchell hiding in an old signal box then making his way into gardens where he was detained.

Defence solicitor Charlie McCusker said: “He has an addictive personality and it seems he is addicted to cars. He has spent a substantial part of his life in custody.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney adjourned proceedings when Mitchell broke down in tears after the court was told his partner is pregnant. When they returned the sheriff caged him for 16 months and banned him from driving for four years. 

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