A DANGEROUS driver who almost mowed down a group of young schoolchildren has been spared jail.

Daanyaal Khan appeared for sentencing at Bolton Crown Court, via a video link from Leeds Prison.

At a previous hearing he had admitted dangerous driving and having no licence or insurance.

The court heard how teachers had to pull pupils out of the way as Khan sped along Albert Road, Farnworth, attempting to evade police at 11.15am on February 14.

Charlotte Johnson, prosecuting, said: “He headed straight towards a large group of schoolchildren wearing high-visibility jackets.

“Fortunately they were being supervised by teachers who had to pull a number of them to safety to prevent them being hit by the defendant.”

The court heard that 23-year-old Khan, of Telford Street, Bolton, was spotted driving a Vauxhall Insignia in Park Street by police carrying out checks and, knowing he had no licence or insurance, panicked and sped off.

Miss Johnson said he accelerated harshly, mounting pavements to get around traffic and driving on the wrong side of King Street, stopping only briefly to allow a passenger to get out.

The pursuit ended when Khan turned into a side street and found his way blocked by a road sweeper.

Matthew Howarth, defending, told the court: “He fully accepts the risk of harm he posed and the dangerousness of his driving. Mercifully there were no injuries.”

Recorder Craig Sephton QC told Khan: “You showed a disregard for the safety of others, in particular young children.”

Recorder Sephton said accepted concrete worker Khan is “contrite”.

He sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years and placed him on a four month, electronically tagged curfew from 7pm to 6am. He must also complete 100 hours unpaid work and was banned from holding a driving licence for three years.