An unlicensed driver stole a car and wrecked it on Christmas Day.

Justin Rabbitts took the Honda Spacewagon from Swindon on December 25, 2021, and then drove it on the B4192 to Aldbourne, and unclassified roads to Axford, near Marlborough.

Before it was recovered, he damaged the vehicle.

Rabbitts, of Boat House Meadow, Overton, Hampshire, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to four charges.

He admitted aggravating vehicle taking and vehicle damage, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and possession of cannabis.

But Judge James Townsend decided not to sentence the 27-year-old after he determined a pre-sentence report would be “of assistance”.

He will instead be sentenced on April 14.

“I am not going to sentence you today because you’ve not been in trouble with the courts before, and the court will need a report from the probation service to learn about your background,” the judge told Rabbitts.

“In the meantime, the court is going to go until April 14 when you must attend again.

“You will be remanded on unconditional bail.

“You must make sure that the probation service has a way of getting in contact with you,” Judge Townsend added. “There must be a good report in front of the judge.”

Rabbitts was temporarily banned from driving until the case is deal with, as the charges result in an automatic ban from driving for at least a year.