A PART time soldier stole his mother’s car and crashed it after a high speed police chase through Bolton.

At Bolton Crown Court Wayne Green was spared an immediate prison sentence after Judge Gioserano heard how his regiment continue to think highly of him.

Kate Hammond, prosecuting, told how police were on St Peter’s Way just after 1am on July 16 when the were passed at a junction by a silver Peugeot 308 going too fast.

They followed it onto Trinity Street, where it went through red traffic lights at the junction with Thynne Street, narrowly avoiding a collision with a taxi.

Police continued to follow, with 28-year-old Green travelling at up to 60mph in 30 mph streets.

At one point he braked hard in front of the police vehicle.

“In effect he was trying to cause a collision,” said Ms Hammond.

Green reversed towards the police car before speeding off again around the Deane area, heading through lights on red and sometimes on the wrong side of the road.

At Tudor Avenue, where the road was shut, he headed past ‘road closed’ signs and sped past workmen in the carriageway.

Shortly afterwards he collided with a parked car on Chassen Road, where he abandoned the vehicle and ran off.

Police caught and handcuffed him on Chorley New Road.

The court heard how Green, from Daubhill, had taken the car without his mother’s permission and the vehicle, worth £16,000, was written off.

Green pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, failing to provide a breath specimen, failing to

stop and having no insurance.

Andrew Morton, defending, said Green is a reservist with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who have provided him with a reference.

“Do they really want somebody who can behave like this and risk other people in the way that he did?” asked Judge Gioserano.

“Yes,” replied Mr Morton. “He is full of huge regret and does have long-term ambition."

The judge added: "It is clear to me that they [the army] have seen a lot of good in you."

Judge Gioserano decided to give Green an opportunity to prove himself and sentenced him to eight months in prison suspended for 12 months with 200 hours unpaid

work.

The unemployed qualified roofer is also banned from driving for 12 months after which he will have to take and extended retest.

"I hope we can finally say that is the end of crime for you," said Judge Gioserano.