A SOUTHAMPTON man has avoided jail after stealing a car.

Nicholas McJury pleaded guilty at Southampton Magistrates’ Court to stealing the Toyota Aygo in Empress Road, Southampton, on February 15.

The 47-year-old, from Northam Road, also admitted driving the vehicle without insurance or a licence, as well as a separate offence of stealing a JBL stereo worth £259.95 from John Lewis.

Magistrates imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, as well as a drug rehabilitation programme for six months, and paying an £80 victim surcharge.