Car thief Neil Whipp has escaped jail despite having more than 100 previous convictions for dishonesty.

Judge Julian Hall, sentencing Whipp at Oxford Crown Court, admitted he was 'taking a chance' after he bailed the heroin addict to attend a drug rehabilitation programme.

He has given Whipp, 28, of Chillingworth Crescent, Wood Farm, a month to prove himself. If Whipp succeeds, he will be put on probation, if he fails he will be jailed.

Whipp appeared at Oxford Crown Court for sentencing. He had earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, threatening and abusive behaviour, taking two vehicles without the owner's consent, and stealing cassette players from two cars at the Redbridge Park and Ride. He also admitted having no insurance and no driving licence.

Nigel Daly, prosecuting, said Whipp had stolen one car from the John Radcliffe Hospital car park while the owners were visiting someone in hospital. He then drove dangerously through Barton, Oxford, travelling on the wrong side of the road, mounting the pavement and a grass verge, before going the wrong way round the Green Road roundabout in Headington.

Mr Daly told the court Whipp drove at 63mph in a 30mph limit and on one occasion had almost lost control of the car.

Samantha Cohen, defending, said Whipp was a heroin addict and had stolen the cars to travel to the park and ride and steal cassette players for re-sale to fund his addiction.

She asked for him to be sent to Caleb House in Bristol.

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