A man who stole a Ford Escort XR3 from the centre of Banbury is awaiting sentence.

At Oxford Crown Court on October 23, Paul Merrills, 35, admitted stealing the car from North Bar Street on August 2.

He also admitted stealing two number plates from another car and making off from an Esso service station in Oxford Road, Banbury, without paying for £10.20 worth of petrol. In addition, Merrills, of Jubilee Court, Banbury, admitted assaulting a police officer and possessing cannabis on June 28.

Nigel Daly, defending, said: "One of Mr Merrills's difficulties has been his addiction to drugs."

Judge David Morton Jack remanded Merrills in custody and adjourned the case until November 15 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.