A MAN who took a car without the permission of its owner has finally been dealt with – more than three years after the offence.

Gary James Jowett appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court this week to admit taking the vehicle in The Grove, Christchurch on November 1 2016, and then driving it without an appropriate licence or insurance the following day.

He also admitted two counts of failing to appear at court on February 6 2017, and then again on April 10 2017.

The 38-year-old also admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made in July 2016 for failing to give his details at the scene of a crash in which a person was injured. He also failed to report the collision, it was heard.

Jowett, formerly of The Grove and now of Pomeroy Crescent in Hedge End, Hampshire, was sentenced to a community order, under which he must participate in a 'thinking skills' programme for 29 days and carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

His driving licence was also endorsed with six points and he was ordered to pay costs.