AN alcoholic who led police on a slow-speed chase around Worcester in a stolen Morris Minor has been jailed after admitting his 30th offence of driving while disqualified.

William Jones was only caught by police when the stolen car ran out of petrol after being pursued for eight miles up the M5, Droitwich Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

The court heard how he had taken the Morris Minor from Sansome Walk early on Thursday, October 11.

While he was driving through Warndon, police recognised him and knew he was a disqualified driver, said Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting.

They started to follow him, but he did not stop, and they eventually chased him around Warndon and then on to the M5.

When the car ran out of petrol near the Bromsgrove exit of the M5, he was taken to the police station where he swore at officers and refused to give a breath sample.

Throughout the chase, his speed ranged from 15 mph to 35 mph, and only on the motorway did he stretch to 75 mph, as the Morris Minor was an old car.

"He later told police he would have done anything to prevent being caught as he knew the car was stolen and he did not have a licence," said Mr Cunningham.

The court was told 46-year-old Jones, who gave his address as Teme Road, Tolladine, but sleeps rough most of the time, had been convicted of driving while disqualified 29 times before and had refused to give a breath sample on eight previous occasions.

He apologised to the court and to the police for committing the crimes.

"Mr Jones had had a couple of cans of lager and was walking near Sansome Walk when he saw a Morris Minor in the road," said Joe Kiernan, defending.

"He decided he would like to get in and examine it, and then thought he would enhance his day by taking it for a drive.

Tender Loving Care

"He treated it with TLC because he had admired the make of car for many years."

Magistrates told Jones he had an "appalling" driving record, and sent him to prison for six months with no parole after admitting aggravated vehicle taking.

He was also sentenced to six months imprisonment for driving while disqualified, and a further six months for failing to produce a breath sample, to run concurrently.

He was banned from driving for ten years and was given eight penalty points on his licence with no additional penalty for driving without insurance.