A 22-year-old driver who led police on a dangerous high speed night time pursuit across Worcester city centre has been told it was lucky no-one was killed.

Bradley Rice fled at speeds of up to 80mph from Sansome Walk as far as Lower Ferry Lane in Callow End, veering onto the wrong side of the road and narrowly missing oncoming traffic, Worcester Crown Court heard..

He was caught when his VW Golf went over a cattle grid and he reached a dead end in farmland, Christopher Lester, prosecuting, told the court.

Rice, of Watkins Way, Malvern, got out of his car and ran but he was caught by officers after 15o yards.

Mr Lester said the incident started when police spotted the VW leaving a car park and emerging onto Sansome Walk in Worcester at around 11pm on September 23 this year. They initially suspected the driver was under the influence and put on lights and sirens. But instead of stopping, Rice accelerated away along City Walls Road and into Sidbury, along Bath Road where he hit speeds of 70mph and onto the A440 Broomhall Way where he hit 80mph. He crossed onto the wrong side of the road and just avoided other vehicles, the court heard.

Rice pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving. He also admitted driving without a proper licence and having no insurance.

Mark Lister, defending, said Rice had a record of seven conviction for 13 offences and he "simply panicked" when he saw the police.

"It was extremely poor and extremely dangerous driving and he has accepted that," Mr Lister said.

He said Rice had tried to change his ways following his last spell in custody and had enrolled on a painting and decorating course.

Judge Abbas Mithani (CORRECT) QC, told Rice the driving had been "appalling" and the chances of an accident were high.

"It's fortunate death or very serious injury did not occur," he said.

Rice was given a sentence of six months suspended for two years and ordered to do 250 hours unpaid work with 40 days of a rehabilitation requirement activity.

He was banned from driving for two years and will have to take an extended re-test. His licence was endorsed for driving with no licence or insurance.