A man notoriously known by police for motor vehicle crimes has been sentenced to seven months in prison and given a 12-month driving ban.

Sean Cowell, 23, of Mildmay Road, Romford, known by police as “a repeat offender” was imprisoned at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

His latest offence on July 11 saw him convicted of providing positive roadside drug test.

He has also been handed a two year Criminal Behaviour Order with several stringent conditions aimed at preventing him from reoffending upon release.

Conditions include prohibition from associating with two other repeat offenders, a ban on him from being a pillion passenger on a moped or motor cycle and a ban on him being in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pc Rosie Bennett, of Havering Police, said: “Criminal Behaviour Orders are part of a relatively new piece of legislation aimed at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“In this case, we hope that the order will assist with the prevention of further offending by this individual and therefore significantly reduce motor vehicle crime across the borough.”