Stolen car driver who did not pay for Crawley meal jailed

A man has been jailed after leaving a restaurant without paying and driving dangerously from police in a stolen car.
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Amit Naithani, 30, unemployed, of Ash Road, Three Bridges, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Monday (August 10), said Sussex Police.

Naithani pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, fraud by false representation, failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified, having no insurance and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

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He was sentenced for 20 months in jail and got a four year driving ban.

PC Martin Upton said: “He could have just paid his £20 bill.”

He said: “Naithani not only left a restaurant without paying but then put others in danger by recklessly driving through town. His behaviour was unacceptable and has been sent to prison as punishment.”

A police spokesman said Naithani left without paying his £20 bill at Frankie and Benny’s at Crawley Leisure Park on July 17.

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He was challenged outside the restaurant and claimed the money was in his car.

He reversed the car, which was stolen, into another and left the leisure park.

He drove off at speed from police who traced the car in Crawley and tried to stop him.

Naithani broke red lights and overtook other cars before he crashed in Three Bridges Road, Three Bridges. He ran from the car and was arrested.

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He was ordered to pay a criminal courts charge of £900 and a victim surcharge of £100.

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