A driver stopped a thief trying to steal his car and held on to him for the police.
Ashley Ascoli was seen trying to take the vehicle in Sandeman Way, Horsham, but the owner– a 49-year-old man from Horsham – held on to him until police arrived.
Ascoli, 30, of Brookers Road, Billingshurst, was arrested.
He has appeared in court and been jailed.
Ascoli had attacked a woman in October before later trying car doors in a residential road in Crawley and stealing £30.
He was arrested on Boxing Day after trying to break into the car in Horsham.
Sussex Police Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbetter said: “Ascoli was persistent in his offending and we are aware of the impact this type of criminality has on local communities.
“We will continue to be robust in our approach to tackling vehicle crime and I urge anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously in their communities to report this through to 101 or crime stoppers anonymous.”
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Ascoli was charged with vehicle interference and theft from a vehicle after the separate incidents in Sandeman Way, Horsham, on December 26 and Arden Road, Crawley, at midnight on November 7.
He was also charged with assault and possession of crack cocaine after the attack on a woman on October 14.
Ascoli pleaded guilty to all four offences at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on December 28. He was sentenced to 49 weeks in prison.
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