A TEENAGER drug driver has been spared jail after leading police on a high-speed chase through busy Bolton streets.

Josh Hopwood, of Arnesby Grove, Bolton, was arrested for dangerous driving on August 31 last year while under the influence of cocaine and cannabis before eventually being brought to a halt after hitting a Fiat people carrier.

At his sentencing this Tuesday, Bolton Crown Court heard how the 19-year-old's actions could have put innocent people in danger.

Judge Martin Walsh said: “It is by sheer good fortune that members of the public were not injured or indeed much worse by your driving.”

He added: "It was an appalling piece of driving."

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Prosecutor Victoria Lewis told the court how, after being spotted by police with no seatbelt, Hopwood drove his Peugeot 308 at speeds of up to 60mph in a 30mph zone through what were mainly built up areas to get away.

Hopwood then led officers through Lawn Street, Eskrick Street and the junction of Halliwell Road and Blackburn Road at times on the wrong side of the road and running red lights.

The car narrowly avoided a collision before eventually stopping after hitting the Fiat.

Two passengers including Hopwood then ran away before he was eventually stopped near St Matthew’s School.

Ms Lewis told the court that though the car was registered to Hopwood, he had no license or insurance, and he failed a roadside drugs test for cocaine and cannabis.

The Peugeot also had false plates attached.

Defence counsel Nicholas Ross said he had been “candid” with police when he was interviewed and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He also explained that Hopwood had no previous convictions and was “of previous good character” and presented an employer’s letter saying he hoped to “learn a trade."

Mr Ross said: “He is determined to make a good fist of his life and intends to never come before a court again.”

Hopwood was given 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to do 140 hours of unpaid work with 30 days of rehabilitation requirements.

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