Raider stole car and crashed into police

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard Jamie Paul Eden, 27, was a mechanic who enjoyed maintaining the sewing machines in jail.

"He said he had decided to go out and burgle a house because he found it easier in prison and said he felt he was institutionalised," said Mr Robert Edwards prosecuting.

Eden broke into a house in Acer Close, The Rock, overnight between June 6 and 7 while a couple and their two children, aged seven and nine, were sleeping. He stole items to the value of £1,350 as well as the keys to a Mini Cooper parked on the drive.

Mr Edwards said: "At about 2.45am on June 7 officers in a police patrol car noticed the Mini Cooper parked in a bus stop in Brunel Road and moving away.

"They put the blue lights on and signalled for the driver to stop but the driver, Mr Eden, reversed at speed colliding with the front of the police vehicle causing minor damage. He then embarked on a course of manoeuvres forwards and backwards in an attempt to make away from the area."

He added: "A police officer struck the driver's window causing it to smash, shouting 'stop police' but the defendant continued."

The officer smashed the windscreen, the car stalled and he was able to reach in to retrieve the key from the ignition.

"The defendant tried to punch him through the smashed window and a struggle continued outside the vehicle in which the officer activated his CS spray," said Mr Edwards. "It had no effect and the defendant made off. There was a short chase and the officer took hold of the defendant before he was arrested and taken into custody."

Stolen property was found at a flat in Rockall Way, The Rock, where Eden lived.

Eden admitted burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and driving without insurance.

The court heard his criminal record comprised 23 offences and 13 court appearances.

"He is someone who views custody as a sanctuary. It provides structure," said Mr Oliver Woolhouse defending.

Judge Peter Barrie said: "At the age of 27 you have a long list of convictions."

Sentencing Eden to three years for burglary he said the case had been aggravated because it happened at night, children were present and high value items were chosen.

For the aggravated vehicle taking he passed a consecutive sentence of six months and gave him six points on his driving licence for having no insurance.