Man took car of stranger who stopped to help him

A MAN found lying in the middle of the road jumped into the car of a Good Samaritan who stopped to help him and drove away, a court has heard.

- JASON EVANS

Martin O'Brien was arrested and charged but then skipped bail and his whereabouts were unknown.

That was until police were called to a disturbance at a house when he was caught with a knife following a foot chase and a struggle with officers.

Abdul Hussain, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that on the morning of June 11 last year, a man driving to work in Harlow, Essex, came across the defendant lying on his back in the middle of the road.

‘The driver got out to check if the defendant was okay and then rang 999.

The court heard that O'Brien - who “appeared to be under the influence of drink or drugs” - got to his feet before dashing to the Good Samaritan's car.

Despite attempts to stop him, the defendant was able to start the car and drive away.