A van driver who reversed into a parked car before leading police on a chase around the Holme Wood estate in Bradford has been spared jail.

Maxim North, 32, who admitted dangerous driving, was seen by officers patrolling on Lymington Drive at 6.55pm on December 15 last year.

As they turned their car around, North accelerated the van towards them before reversing into a Peugeot 206.

A five-minute pursuit ensued with North driving at 45mph in 30mph zones and ignoring various junctions. He stopped voluntarily on Hartland Road and in his police interview said he had been irresponsible and “silly”.

Bradford Crown Court heard that North, of Kenton Way, Holme Wood, had learning disabilities and was insured to drive the van.

Judge Colin Burn said: “You said you stopped because you were being silly. I think silly is the understatement of the year.”

North was jailed for three months, suspended for a year, and given 180 hours’ unpaid work and a 12-month driving ban.