A DISQUALIFIED driver was sentenced to ten months in prison after he led police on an eight-mile chase, jumping red lights and reaching speeds over 90mph.

John Balmer, of Masefield Drive, Farnworth, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court yesterday over the chase in the early hours of July 25 this summer.

The 46-year-old took his partner’s Renault Megane from outside her home in Woodfield Drive, Farnworth, without her permission to go and buy cigarettes.

He was spotted by an unmarked police car in nearby Harrowby Street.

The police car gave chase along Albert Road, Egerton Street, Smith’s Road, Hacken Lane, Radcliffe Road, Bury New Road and then through Bury town centre.

Balmer lost police at the roundabout for the M66, when he headed towards Heywood after refusing to stop.

While being chased by the police car, Balmer drove at speeds exceeding 90mph, through red lights and on the wrong side of the road.

The court heard how the pursuing officers decided it was ‘not safe’ to continue the chase and the police helicopter was dispatched.

Balmer, who had previously pleaded guilty to the offences, was later found inside the car in Crediton Drive, Breightmet, where he put his hands up and surrendered to the police.

He was chased for around 8.6 miles by the officers before he lost them.

Judge Timothy Stead said that it was ‘remarkable’ that no one was injured in the chase and no property was damaged.

Nick Ross, representing Balmer, said: “He held up his hands and realised what he had done was extremely foolish and dangerous.”

Balmer was sentenced to ten months in prison for aggravated vehicle taking, ten months for dangerous driving and two months for driving while disqualified, all to be served concurrently and was banned from driving for three years and three months.