A hit-and-run joyrider who smashed into two cars while careering through Letchworth has been banned from the road for a year and a half.

Dimash Mendis, of Valley Road in Letchworth, admitted to St Albans magistrates that he had taken a

Ford Focus without permission on April 8 this year, without a driving licence or insurance, and failed to stop or identify himself after crashing into two cars in Green Lane.

Jess Adrien, 24, was injured and trapped in her Vauxhall Corsa for two hours after 22-year-old Mendis rear-ended it.

A Mercedes in front of Jess’ Corsa was also damaged as a result of the crash, after which Mendis, who is now 23, did a three-point turn and sped away.

The Focus was recovered by police a day later in nearby Pascal Way.

Magistrates ordered Mendis to pay £440 in fines, a £30 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs – a total of £555.

He is barred from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 18 months.