A man has been jailed after he attempted to steal a bicycle before leading police on a chase through Welwyn Garden City.

Stephen McDonagh, of Oaksview Park in Kidlington, was spotted on CCTV as he attempted to steal from the bike rack in Hyde Way, at around 5pm on Monday, August 26.

McDonagh fled from officers as they arrived at the scene, changing his clothes multiple times and jumping over fences.

The 37-year-old was eventually arrested in Longcroft Lane and taken into custody.

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On Wednesday, August 28, McDonagh appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to the attempted theft of a pedal cycle and obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of duty.

He was sentenced to one month in prison for the attempted bike theft, getting a further six months for breaching a suspended sentence order from Oxford Magistrates’ Court.

There was no separate penalty for obstructing a police officer.

Sergeant James Wingate said: "This is a great result from the Welwyn Hatfield Intervention Team.

"McDonagh tried to evade police for over an hour by jumping fences and repeatedly changing his clothing. Our officers did not give up though and McDonagh is now facing justice for his actions.

"We know that bike theft is hugely inconvenient and often expensive for victims. I hope this news is reassuring to cyclists that we will target bike thieves and make sure they face consequences."