AN UNSUPERVISED learner driver with a small child in his car sped away from police on a Carlisle housing estate, reaching 80mph before crashing.

Liam Tonks, 24, who was previously a man of good character, later told police that his terrible driving along residential street in Harraby on January 8 was the result of him panicking after he saw a police car.

He admitted dangerous driving, related offences, and causing a child unnecessary suffering through his actions, though neither he nor the child were injured.

Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting at Carlisle Crown Court, said the offending happened after a police officer on patrol spotted the defendant driving his Ford Focus out of the Beverley Rise junction with Pennine Way.

The defendant appeared to be “in a rush.”

The officer decided to follow the Ford but it soon became apparent that the defendant had speeded up and that the driver was trying to escape, said Mr Rogerson. Activating his car’s blue lights and siren, the officer gave chase.

“The Ford narrowly missed a pedestrian who was crossing the road,” said the prosecutor, though fortunately there were few cars or people around.

The defendant, who has only a provisional driving licence, sped away along Edgehill Road, speeding over speed humps.  At one point, said Mr Rogerson, Tonks was driving at 80mph, in spite of the 30mph speed limit.

He later admitted to the police he had intentionally not displayed his L-plates because he didn't want to draw attention to his car.

The Ford briefly disappeared around a corner and as the officer followed him he realised that Tonks had crashed into a parked car and a lamppost. “The car had also gone across somebody’s front garden,” said Mr Rogerson.

It was only after the defendant surrendered himself that the police officer realised there was a child in the car, though that child was securely strapped in.

Daniel Bramhall, defending, said the defendant, of Briar Bank, Belah, committed the offence as a result of “extremely poor judgement”. The barrister said: “What happened was the result of panic. He knew that he shouldn’t have been driving.

“That’s really the only reason he didn’t stop.

“This is not a case involving an individual who was influenced by alcohol or drugs. He was fit to drive. Mr Tonks accepts that he was trying to lose the police officer but unfortunately he lost control and crashed.”

Judge Nicholas Barker told the defendant: “You had no regard for other road users, pedestrians or residents. You drove like a lunatic, with no [full] licence, through a built up residential area in Harraby, with a school and parked cars.

“You nearly mowed down a pedestrian… This was a serious piece of dangerous driving.”

The judge said the proper course of action would have been for Tonks to stop after he realised that the police officer had seen him. The judge imposed a total of 16 months prison but suspended that term for two years.

In addition, Tonks must complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.

The judge banned the defendant from driving for 24 months; and imposed a three month 7pm to 5am curfew. The defendant, who earns £24,000 from his job, must also pay a fine of £660 and £340 prosecution costs.

If he fails to pay that on time, he will serve seven days in custody in default. He must also pass an extended retest before he can apply for his full licence. Tonks also admitted being uninsured and failing to stop when required to by a police officer.