A 30-year-old has been sentenced for taking an Asda delivery vehicle.

Shane Brett set off a large-scale police operation when he removed the van from Sovereign Harbour Retail Park on Pevensey Bay Road in Eastbourne at approximately 6.20am on January 30.

Officers eventually pulled him over in The Fairway, Newhaven.

A drug test was administered at the location, and Brett, who has no fixed home, returned a positive result for cocaine.

Following his arrest, he faced charges the following day (January 31) including motor vehicle theft, non-dwelling burglary, dangerous driving, and operating a vehicle on a public road without third party insurance.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court that same afternoon, admitting guilt to every count before being held in custody.

On March 12 at Lewes Crown Court, Brett received a 26-month prison term and a four-year driving ban.