Learner driver leads police on 11-mile high speed terror chase

Jordan Ricketts hurtled through red traffic lights, went round a traffic island in the wrong direction and mounted the pavement in a bid to get away, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

The 21-year-old who had three passengers on board as he reached speeds of 60mph - double the limit - was finally halted when police used a 'stinger' device to burst the front tyres of his Renault Clio.

Mr Matthew Brook, prosecuting, said the 16-minute pursuit started when he raced away from officers who had indicated he should pull over near Dudley's Merry Hill Centre on November 12.

Mr Simon Hanns, defending, revealed that Ricketts had owned the £1,000 car for a year without a full licence.

Mr Hanns added: "He acted out of sheer panic and accepts he has a lot to learn.

"He behaved badly."

Ricketts of St Georges Road, Dudley, admitted dangerous driving and having neither a licence nor insurance and was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended under supervision for two years.

He was also ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.

His car has also been seized.

Judge Amjad Nawaz said it was reckless and dangerous behaviour.

Judge Nawaz said: "This was extremely foolish behaviour.

"It only takes a second of recklessness to take a life and it is down to good fortune that no damage or injury was caused by your driving.

"This chase was over an extremely long distance and a long period of time."