A father-of-two who drove a stolen taxi on the wrong side of the A55 and hit a cyclist has been jailed for three years.

Darragh O'Grady also damaged several parked vehicles after stealing a vehicle in Holyhead.

A cyclist was taken to hospital with serious and lasting injuries after he was struck by the stolen taxi.

O'Grady (31), of no fixed abode but from Ireland, pleaded guilty to all charges, including theft, causing serious injury, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

North Wales Police said his actions were "reckless and inherently dangerous".

Caernarfon Crown Court heard O'Grady had arrived in Holyhead by ferry on Monday 24th August.

After stealing a minibus from a local taxi firm on Holborn Road, Tacsi Zoe, he collided with a cyclist on the A5 on London Road, but did not stop and continued onto the westbound carriageway of the A55, travelling the wrong way.

Detectives said O'Grady's driving led to multiple calls to the North Wales Police control room as other motorists had to swerve out of his way.

Several parked vehicles were also damaged.

Footage released by police showed O'Grady giving a thumbs up on camera while he was behind the wheel.

Road traffic officers closed the A55 and deployed a stinger to stop the stolen vehicle near Rhosneigr, where O'Grady was arrested and taken into custody.

The court heard police recovered bank cards and a mobile phone which had been reported stolen on the ferry that O'Grady had travelled on earlier that day.

He had already spent over £200 of the victim's money and went onto admit fraud by false representation.

O'Grady said on the day of the offences, he had taken valium and cocaine and had drunk alcohol.

O'Grady was sentenced to three years in prison and banned from driving for five-and-a-half years - he must also take an extended driving test before he is allowed to drive again in the UK.

Following sentencing on Tuesday, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nick Evans said: "O’Grady’s actions that evening were reckless and inherently dangerous."

"The A55 is the main route to Holyhead Port and at national speed limit, it is incredibly lucky that no fatalities occurred."

"Without the courageous response by officers to resolve the situation, the consequences could have been devastating."

"I once again thank the community for quickly raising the alert to O’Grady’s behaviour and their support throughout this investigation."