A MAN has been locked up for leading police on a seven mile pursuit across Bradford at up to 90mph.

Jailing Adam Ali, 24, for eight months and banning him for two years, Judge David Hatton QC labelled it “a grotesque piece of driving that involved vast speeds.”

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Ali, of Westminster Road, Undercliffe, Bradford, had never held a driving licence.

It was also the third time he had been caught behind the wheel driving without insurance.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp said that Ali sped off in a VW Golf after the police told him to stop at 7.30pm on Friday, May 19.

The pursuit, along Barkerend Road, Otley Road, Pollard Lane, Gain Lane, Bradford Road and Dick Lane, saw Ali run three red traffic lights, ignore Give Way signs, skid along out of control, drive on the pavement, and hit another vehicle while forcing his way through a queue of traffic at a roundabout.

He reached speeds of 90mph in 30 zones through built up areas, the court was told.

Ali was arrested after stopping the vehicle and apologising to police officers.

He made no comment in interview but pleaded guilty at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court to dangerous driving and driving uninsured and without a licence.

He was committed to the crown court for sentence.

Mr Sharp said Ali had two previous convictions for driving without insurance and he was banned for nine months in 2015 under the totting up provision.

He also had a conviction for theft from a motor vehicle.

His barrister, Andrew Dallas, said Ali’s partner was expecting their second child.

He was a trained motor mechanic but had since been bedevilled by depression and possible agoraphobia.

He was being treated in the community by an outreach nurse.

The collision during the pursuit was not serious and no one was injured.

When the police apprehended Ali, he told them: “I have been a pr***. I am sorry.”

Sentencing him, Judge Hatton said: “You described yourself on arrest as having behaved like a pr***.

“Your judgement was correct in that respect.”

Judge Hatton told Ali: “You put the safety of other road users and pedestrians at risk.”

Ali had never held a licence and had no right or authority to drive.

“Driving through the streets of this city as you did will not be tolerated,” Judge Hatton said.