TEENAGER Richard Glover reached speeds of 80 mph in residential areas as he tried to shake off a police pursuit.

Magistrates in Bury heard how, after taking the car from his girlfriend's father without permission, the 19-year-old was seen driving along Walmersley Road in the town.

Claire Stevens, prosecuting, said police tried to pull over the Nissan Almeira, but Glover just sped off.

The Nissan was later found crashed and abandoned and was a write-off. Glover and three other passengers in the car, including his girlfriend, had fled from the scene. Glover pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, having no insurance, no driving licence and failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report one.

Joseph Foxler, defending, said the incident would not have occurred if Glover, from Stubbins Street, Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, had not been handed the keys to the car by his girlfriend. The bench gave him 200 hours of community punishment. He was banned from driving for 18 months, ordered to pay £154 compensation to the police, and £60 costs.