A DRIVER led police on an 80mph chase through the streets of Bolton just weeks after he had been banned from the roads.

The Nightingale Court at the University of Bolton Stadium heard how 30-year-old Ismail Ebrahim sped through four sets of red lights and drove on the wrong side of the road before eventually crashing into a parked car.

John Richards, prosecuting, told the court how police spotted Ebrahim’s Astra on Chorley Old Road at 10.40pm on August 1.

“On seeing the officer it immediately accelerated away towards the town centre,” said Mr Richards.

Ebrahim refused to stop, travelling at 80mph on 30mph roads.

“The pursuit lasted around five minutes and only ended when the defendant took a corner at speed, lost control and collided with a parked car,” said Mr Richards.

Ebrahim, of Jessie Street, Bolton, ran off but was soon caught by officers and when the car was searched two snap bags of cannabis were found.

When his driving record was checked police discovered he had received a 12 month driving ban the previous month and had convictions for speeding and having no insurance.

Ebrahim pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while banned and possessing cannabis.

He told police that he had been on his way to back to his then home in Preston.

“The police car caused him to panic as he knew he was a disqualified driver,” said Mr Richards.

Ebrahim, who works in a garage with his brother, claimed the cannabis was for his own use and that he spends around £500 a month on his habit.

Representing himself in court, Ebrahim told Recorder Andrew Long: “I’m a guy that just works. I am not a trouble to anybody.

“I know what I did was a mistake. I am usually at home and never in trouble.

“It has been a eye-opener, what’s happened.”

Recorder Long sentenced Ebrahim to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, telling him: “This was a serious offence of its sort.

“You could easily have caused death or serious injury — by sheer good luck you did not do so.

“Let me tell you this — it’s by a narrow margin that I have decided I do not have to send you to prison today.”

Ebrahim was ordered to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and must participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities.

He was told to pay £340 towards prosecution costs and was banned from holding a driving licence for two years, after which he will have to take an extended test.