A DANGEROUS driver led police on a 90mph chase through Bolton streets after they spotted him driving a car on cloned plates.

Bolton Crown Court heard how officers became suspicious when learning the number plates on an Audi A3 in Halliwell Road were attributed to another vehicle.

Helen Longworth, prosecuting, told how it was just before 1am on July 19 when the officers tried to box in the Audi as it was parked outside a takeaway.

“Before that manoeuvre could be completed the Audi, drove over the kerb and away from police at speeds of up to 90mph,” said Miss Longworth.

The three-minute pursuit through 30mph limited residential roads only ended when the Audi turned into a cul-de-sac at Westland Avenue, Heaton.

Jack McGrail, aged 22, got out of the driver’s seat and ran off down a ginnel but was caught by officers. He admitted dangerous driving and having no licence or insurance and told police he had bought the car for £700 on Facebook but tried to escape because he knew he could not legally drive it.

Stuart Duke, defending, stressed that McGrail, of Kendrew Road, Bolton, has no previous convictions but the father-of-one needs to get to grips with his cannabis use and “become a useful member of society.”

“He is well thought of and he has made a grave error of judgement in fleeing from police as he did,” said Mr Duke.

Judge Tom Gilbart, who described McGrail’s driving as “obviously dangerous and self-centred” sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. McGrail was electronically tagged and made subject to a 7pm to 7am curfew for four months. He was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days rehabilitation activities.

He was banned from applying for a driving licence for two years, after which he will have to take an extended test.