A moped rider jumped red lights and forced traffic to swerve as he tried to outrun the police, Bradford Crown Court heard.

John Postans reached speeds of 53mph in a determined bid to shake off a pursuing patrol car.

Postans, 26, of Brookfield Road, Pollard Park, Bradford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

Before yesterday’s case started, Judge Peter Benson said: “It’s the first time I have dealt with dangerous driving with a moped. I suppose there is a first time for everything.”

Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock said police were alerted to Postans at 1.20pm on July 27 because his bike had a noisy exhaust.

He was ordered to stop but sped off up Harrogate Road, Bradford, and led officers on a two-mile chase. His speed was well over the 30mph limit. Miss Hancock said Postans jumped red traffic lights, went straight across junctions, and rode on the pavement. Other vehicles had to brake and swerve.

Judge Benson sentenced him to a 12 month supervision order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a three-month curfew order.

He was banned from driving for 18 months.