A car thief who boasted he would never be caught was today starting a three-year prison sentence after he was captured in a high-speed police chase.

Leigh Peters, who has never passed his driving test, claimed he was doing more than 110mph in a stolen car as he drove across a junction in the early hours.

He failed to spot police dog handler PC Colin Langham and his dog Dutch sitting in a marked police van at the lights.

PC Langham gave chase as Peters, 21, continued at up to 80mph through the streets of Hastings and into nearby countryside on February 17.

After a four-mile chase, Peters, who had four passengers in the car, lost control on a sharp bend and smashed into a tree. The impact launched the car vertically up the tree before it smashed down again, Hove Crown Court heard.

Barnabus Shaw, prosecuting, said Peters jumped out of the car and rocked it back on to all four wheels.

He jumped back in and reversed into PC Langham's van before fleeing on foot, leaving behind his passengers, who had all suffered minor injuries.

Mr Shaw said: "Peters ran off and was tracked by the officer and his dog. He was found in a nearby garden as he tried to climb a tree. He was prevented from doing so when the dog got hold of his foot. He told police he had stolen the car because that was how he got his kicks.

"When asked why he had not stopped he said he had never been caught by police in a chase and was determined that this would not be the first time. He claimed he was driving in excess of 110mph and admitted it was dangerous but said that was how he got his buzz."

Peters, of The Cheviots, Hastings, was jailed for a total of three years after admitting aggravated vehicle taking, stealing two cars and vehicle interference.

He was also banned from driving until June 2006 and ordered to take an extended driving test before he is allowed back behind the wheel again.

Julian Dale, defending, said Peters had co-operated with police after his arrest and had admitted 32 other vehicle offences, which were taken into consideration.

Mr Dale said: "He accepts this was an appalling piece of driving.

"Although he admitted driving in excess of 110mph, the officer's estimate of 80mph was probably nearer the mark.

"He had an extremely troubled childhood and has suffered domestic violence and drug and alcohol problems. He was trying to get some kind of thrill by taking these vehicles."

Judge Anthony Niblett said: "I would like to commend PC Langham, who spotted what he rightly suspected to be a stolen vehicle.

"He pursued him in a very diligent and courageous pursuit and I express this court's thanks on behalf of the community."

PC Langham and Dutch, a four-year-old German shepherd dog, have worked together in the Hastings and Rother Division for more than two years.

Inspector Marion Sandwell, head of the Sussex Police dog unit, said: "PC Langham is a very dedicated officer who always wants to take the bad guys off the streets.

"He and Dutch are a first-class team."