AN ATTACKER described as "cowardly and persistent" has been sentenced to a total of 24 weeks in custody by Hereford magistrates.

Louis McDonald admitted beating his partner and taking two cars without the owners' consent, as well as driving without a valid licence or third-party insurance.

Magistrates said he had a "flagrant disregard for people and their property" when McDonald appeared in court this month represented by defence solicitor James Bull.

Shaun Williams, prosecuting, told Hereford Magistrates' Court that McDonald's crimes took place in Shropshire and Staffordshire between August 27, 2023, and January 15, 2024.

On August 27 and 31, he made off with a Vauxhall Mokka and caused damage to it, and then on December 26, he took a Nissan Juke, again causing damage.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated vehicle taking and damage, two counts of assault by beating, one count of using a vehicle on a road or public place without third-party insurance and one count of driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He also failed to surrender to Kidderminster Magistrates' Court when he was on bail in January, which he admitted. The magistrates said he had a "flagrant disregard for court orders".

McDonald was found not guilty of two separate charges of theft, and was cleared of two other accusations that he denied.

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McDonald, aged 28 and of Washwood Heath Road in Birmingham, received two concurrent four-week prison sentences, and a consecutive 20-week sentence.

He must pay a total of £420 in compensation to the drivers whose cars he took.

He has also been handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting a woman from Staffordshire for a year.