POLICE followed a stolen car at speeds of up to 90mph through built-up areas of Leigh on a busy Saturday afternoon.

Gareth Pierce still tried to lose officers even when a front tyre burst after hitting a kerb.

He drove on the wrong side of the road, forced oncoming cars to swerve, drove onto the pavement and went through two sets of red lights at high speed.

With only three tyres Pierce still managed to reach speeds of up to 80mph and was only caught when he hit a mound of gravel causing the police car behind to crash into him.

Pierce, aged 20, of Ena Crescent, Leigh, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence after he admitted dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and other motoring offences.

Fingerprint

Recorder Campbell Tait jailed Pierce for 15 months.

Adrian Dugdale, prosecuting, said last May Pierce had taken a doctor's VW Jetta from Leigh Infirmary and crashed into other cars. He was traced through a fingerprint.

Last September a police officer tried to stop Pierce, who was driving a Ford Escort in Slag Lane, Lowton. He refused to stop and drove off along Byrom Lane at speeds of up to 70mph in a 30mph zone.

Pierce ran through red lights, drove on the wrong side and forced vehicles to swerve.

Outside the Rock of Ages old people's home in Firs Lane Pierce hit the kerb on the opposite side of the road causing the front tyre to burst. Even with a burst tyre Pierce drove at up to 80mph and appeared to be using a mobile phone.

He was arrested as he tried to run away after a collision involving a pursuing police car.

Phil Martin, defending, said Pierce hadn't stopped because he thought there was a warrant out for his arrest.