A JOY rider has been jailed for 30 months after stealing a relative's car and leaving a cyclist with serious injuries.

Robbie Martin, of Forge Close, Caversham, stole a silver Ford Fiesta on July 7 and hit a cyclist on George Street.

The 26-year-old appeared at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, August 6, after failing to stop at the scene and colliding with a parked car as he attempted to flee the area.

The victim was rushed to hospital and required surgery as part of his treatment.

Having driven around the one way system, Martin exited Queens Road back in to George Street, colliding with the opposite pavement and a bollard.

He was arrested, charged by police and later remanded in custody.

Martin was already serving a suspended sentence for an assault.

He admitted to the offences and was given a two year and six month year custodial sentence for the incident.

Martin was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, driving while unfit through drink and failing to stop and breach of suspended sentence.

He was also disqualified from driving for six years and four months and will have an extended re-test before getting his driving licence back.

Following the sentencing, PC Sally Barden, from the Roads Policing Unit based at Three Mile Cross, said: "On the day of the offence, Robbie Martin showed complete disregard for the public's safety and for the law when he committed multiple driving offences within a short timeframe.

"I am pleased that Martin has pleaded guilty and a swift justicial process has now followed, to ensure he is brought to justice for his offences and is no longer a danger on our roads."