A MAN caught in possession of stolen Christmas presents has been jailed.

Edward Butler, 44, was driving dangerously along Sheepwash Lane, Lavant, near Chichester, on December 12. Officers pursed the vehicle into Chalkpit Lane and Butler was arrested. Butler, of Tangley Walk, Havant, was charged with three counts of receiving stolen goods, theft from a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance. He was remanded in custody and appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on January 11. He was convicted on all charges and given a 12-month custodial sentence and banned from driving for two years.

Chief Inspector Kris Ottery said: “Butler was a target for us as he had links to Operation Mini, which relates to vehicle break-ins across Arun and Chichester. We welcome the sentence imposed on Butler and hope it sends out a clear message to the public of how serious we treat matters like this.”