A MAN who had been released from prison crashed a stolen car into another vehicle on the M60.

At Bolton Crown Court Wayne Kinley was sentenced to 18 months in jail after admitting handling a VW Polo, cards and jewellery which had been stolen in a burglary in Borrowdale Avenue, Heaton on April 5.

Kinley, of Alma Road, Westhoughton, also admitted dangerous driving, driving whilst banned, fraud and having no insurance.

Christopher Beckwith, prosecuting, told how Kinley, who had been released from prison December 2015 after serving a sentence for robbery, was spotted by police driving the stolen car on April 9 this year.

A pursuit occurred, during which he reached speeds of 80mph in a 30mph limit, forcing other vehicles to swerve out of the way.

He was arrested after crashing the car into a Ford Focus on the M60 at junction 18. He tested positive for drugs and cards and jewellery taken in the burglary were found in the vehicle. Kinley, aged 35, had used the stolen debit card to put £100 of credit on his mobile phone.

Joseph Hart, defending, said Kinley denied being involved in the burglary.

“He intended to sell the car on because he had financial difficulties,” said Mr Hart.

He added that Kinley had struggled to cope after being released from prison.

“He functions far better in prison than he does when at liberty,” commented the Honorary Recorder of Bolton Judge Timothy Clayson, who added that Kinley has an ‘appalling’ record for driving offences.

“The consequences [on this occasion] could have been tragic,” he said.

Kinley, who has never passed a driving test, was also banned from holding a driving licence for three years and nine months.