A man who fled from police before abandoning the car he was driving has been jailed.

Ben Wilde, 24, of Oak Street, Hemel Hempstead, was sentenced to a year in prison after appearing in court on Tuesday.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says Wilde was travelling in a blue Citroen Picasso at around 2.30pm on October 12 when police tried to pull him over in the Warners End area of Hemel Hempstead.

Police say the Citroen stopped in Long Chaulden, and attempts were made to arrest the driver, but the vehicle moved off, “putting the safety of the community at risk”, police said.

Read more: Pet owner's warning after attempted dog theft

Read more: Three more men jailed in connection with Luke O'Connell murder

A police helicopter search led officers to finding the car abandoned in Pipit Walk in Apsley.

Following enquiries, Wilde was arrested and charged.

At Stevenage Magistrates Court, Wilde pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for police and driving a vehicle uninsured.

As well as a year in prison, Wilde has been ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

He has also been given a 42 month driving ban and is required to pass an extended driving test.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.