A man has been given a four-year driving ban after he drove a stolen Mercedes Sprinter van dangerously on the M3, A30 and parts of Basingstoke.

Nathan Moroncini, 30, of no fixed abode, failed to stop for officers on the M27, between the A31 and M3, on Wednesday 20 May this year.

A police pursuit then ensued on the M3 northbound, and Moroncini was arrested after the van collided with a property on Linseed Way in Basingstoke. No one was injured during the incident.

Moroncini was charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and failing to provide specimen for analysis.

He was also charged with aggravated vehicle taking after he stole a Vauxhall Vivaro van from Knight Street in Basingstoke on Tuesday 12 May. The vehicle was later located and recovered nearby.

Moroncini pleaded guilty to all offences at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday 11 August and was given a 20-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also given a four-year driving ban and a 12-month drug rehabilitation order.

Police Staff Investigator Mike Field, from Basingstoke CID, said: “Nathan Moroncini’s actions were reckless and dangerous, and this incident could have resulted in people being seriously injured or worse.

“His behaviour that day put the lives of other motorists and pedestrians at risk and this will not be tolerated in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Those who choose to drive stolen vehicles and use our roads in this manner should expect to be pursued, arrested and put before the courts.”