A TEENAGER who led police on a high speed chase - clocking up 80 mph on a 30 mph road - has avoided being sent to jail.

Jonathan Ryan Newhouse, 19, was given a combination order by Burnley magistrates, who told him he could have killed himself.

Would-be soldier Newhouse, of Bentley Road, Gisburn, was given 12 months probation and 100 hours of community service. He was also banned from driving for 18 months and must pay £54 costs.

He admitted dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and no insurance.

Nigel Harrison, prosecuting, said in the early hours police tried to stop Newhouse as he accelerated hard after leaving the motorway. He braked hard, causing smoke to come from his tyres, and reached speeds of between 90mph and 100mph, on the Padiham bypass.

Newhouse went on the wrong side of the double white lines, nearly lost control and went at 80 mph through the village of Read, which has a 30mph limit. After he hit a kerb, he was brought to a halt and surrendered to officers.

Gill Lloyd, defending, said Newhouse was test driving a vehicle he had worked on for a friend.

He panicked because he did not have a driving licence or insurance.

He was currently out of work but was seeking employment.

The only saving grace of the offences was that they took place in the early hours and other road users were not inconvenienced.

It could have been much worse.

Mrs Lloyd added Newhouse had learned his lesson, shown remorse and his behaviour would not be repeated.

He and his family had suffered considerable strain because of the court case and his parents were extremely disappointed with him.

He had considered joining the Army but his conviction had put paid to that.

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