A DRIVER who led police on a high-speed chase along residential streets in Bradford has narrowly avoided an immediate custodial sentence.

Mohammed Gazi, 21, reached 80mph in a 30mph zone and drove along a cobbled alleyway near Bradford City’s stadium as he tried to escape officers who were pursuing him on roads on the edge of the city centre.

Shufqat Khan, who represented Gazi at Bradford Crown Court yesterday, said: “It was an horrendous piece of driving involving a police chase, excessive speed and an attempt to evade arrest from the police.”

Prosecutor Abdul Shakoor said Gazi “accelerated sharply” in a silver Renault Laguna after police spotted him “acting suspiciously” on Drewton Street at 7.20pm on January 13.

Gazi sped at 50mph and 60mph in 30mph zones on Lumb Lane and Manningham Lane, respectively, before turning into Burlington Street.

Mr Shakoor said Gazi then turned right into a cobbled alleyway, then on to Valley Parade, South Parade, Holywell Ash Lane and Midland Road.

He reached 80mph on the 30mph Midland Road, and after driving along North Avenue, Parkfield Road, Oak Mount, Oak Avenue, North Avenue and Cunliffe Road, was forced to dump his car, with the engine still running, in the dead-end Cunliffe Terrace.

Gazi, who had no previous convictions, was caught by police after a foot chase, during which he threw three packets of cannabis over a wall, the court heard.

The judge, Recorder Paul Isaacs, said: “What you are doing here I really do not know. A young man, good educational qualifications, close supportive family, well-regarded in your community - and you are appearing in Bradford Crown Court.

"You must be bitterly ashamed of the fact that you are here. Goodness knows what your parents must think about the dishonour you have brought to them.”

He added: “This was an appalling piece of driving. Not just excessive speed, but it was like a chase movie.”

Recorder Isaacs said Gazi’s driving passed the custody threshold, but handed him a suspended sentence.

He said: “I am confident - and I hope it is not misplaced - that this is the last time the court sees you for the rest of your life.”

Gazi, of Spring Gardens, off Manningham Lane, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to dangerous driving and possession of cannabis.

He got a 26-week jail term, suspended for two years, was disqualified from driving for 18 months, and must do 80 hours’ unpaid work and a ten-day rehabilitation order. He got no separate penalty for the cannabis charge.