A BANNED driver who led police on a “hair-raising” chase through Bradford in his “tired” friend’s car has been jailed.

Mohammed Usman, 21, was spotted by police behind the wheel of the smart forfour car on High Cross Lane in Shelf just after midnight on February 13.

Prosecutor Dave McKay told Bradford Crown Court that after officers activated their blue lights, Usman sped off at up to 70mph in residential areas, careering over speed bumps and driving the wrong way around a roundabout and traffic island.

A second patrol car took up the chase as the defendant reached Manchester Road in Bradford, where he hit 80mph while running red lights.

Police were unable to follow Usman as he turned down a narrow alleyway and made his way onto Lindley Road.

A third police vehicle was involved by the time Usman and his passenger exited the car before it slowed down and crashed into a wall.

Usman tried to run away but was detained nearby, later telling police in interview that the driving of officers involved in his chase had been “disgraceful.”

Mr McKay said that Usman, of Lindley Road, Little Horton, Bradford, had previous convictions for offences including dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, and driving while disqualified.

He pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

Michael Greenhalgh, defending, said his client, who became a father four months ago, had agreed to drive the car as its owner, his friend, was “tired.”

He added that when he saw police, Usman had driven away in “blind panic.”

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, jailed Usman for nine months, also banning him from driving from two years on his release from prison.

He said: “A smart car is a small car with a very small engine. That little car managed to negotiate massive speeds in residential areas, failing to adhere to the most common sense driving requirements.

“This was a hair-raising, incredible chase. Miraculously no-one was hurt. Three police cars were needed, such was the furious nature of this pursuit.

“Imprisonment for this level of driving is inevitable. This was not a case of reckless or irresponsible driving, it was truly dangerous.”