AN uninsured driver who led police on a 10-mile high-speed chase through Bolton was caught after a helicopter camera spotted him hiding under a bush.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Sammy Webster came to the attention of officers after he undertook an unmarked car in Manchester Road just after 11pm on July 7.

When he stopped his Ford Ka on Deansgate he told police he was there to pick up his girlfriend from the Reflex club.

But Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, said 22-year-old Webster then reversed at speed onto Bradshawgate.

Police chased him for 10 minutes during which he drove at up to 70mph on 30mph roads through Tonge Moor, Bradshaw, Harwood, Ainsworth and into Little Lever.

He sped through three sets of red lights and at one stage drove on the wrong side of the road to overtake traffic.

As he entered built up residential streets in Little Lever police gave up the chase for safety reasons — but the force helicopter spotted Webster and a friend abandoning the car in Victory Road and he was arrested hiding under a nearby bush.

Webster admitted he had been behind the wheel, telling officers his driving had been "ridiculous".

Mr Mathieson said no damage or injury was caused by Webster.

"It seems to have been a relatively quite night on the roads thankfully for all parties concerned," he said.

Webster, a father-of-one, of Masefield Drive, Farnworth, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop and having no licence or insurance.

Andrew Costello, defending, said Webster was remorseful.

Recorder Michael Blakey said: "It is very lucky that you didn't cause an accident. Also that you didn't inconvenience, to any significant degree, other users of the road — but that was pure luck on your part.

"You had better grow up quickly."

Webster was sentenced to a nine-month community order and told he must do 100 hours unpaid work plus a rehabilitation activity for 18 days.

He was also banned from holding a driving licence for 12 months, after which he will have to take an extended test.