AN East Meon man has been handed a community order for his part in stealing a car.

Magistrates heard that Jess James and Ben Reeve drove a taxi without its owner's permission after getting a worrying phonecall from a friend.

But the pair did a runner after the former – who did not have a licence – caused £2,000 of damage after crashing into a parked car near Petersfield.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.