45-year-old Stuart Black, from Cadle, Fforestfach, entered the vehicle while the owner was carrying out maintenance upon it on Glebe Road, Loughor.
He then attempted to drive off, prompting the owner to attempt to stop him from doing so.
Black then crashed the vehicle, causing injuries to the owner, and then continued down the street before crashing into another car before making off on foot.
Black was tracked down by PC Shepherd and PC Hill and arrested close to the scene.
He later pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and aggravated vehicle-taking. He also pleaded guilty to assault after initially pleading not guilty.
He has been sentenced to three years in prison and disqualified from driving for three and a half years.
Sergeant Stuart Williams said:
“Stuart Black is an opportunist thief who saw a car running and decided to try his luck with stealing it. In doing so, the owner has attempted to stop Black in the act, and sadly ended up having to go to hospital as a result.
“This was an incident which happened entirely because of Stuart Black’s criminal actions. The victim was fortunate not to be more seriously injured, but this was nonetheless a very shocking and distressing experience for them.”
[Lead image: South Wales Police]
