A BANNED driver told he had a “sword hanging over his head” following a 90mph police chase through Ilkley has again avoided jail despite trying to flee from officers in Bradford.

James Dixon, 24, was given a ten-month suspended sentence in February for dangerous driving after Bradford Crown Court heard it was a “miracle” that no-one had been hurt or killed by his actions.

His car only came to a stop after he crashed into a wall and gas main following the five-minute pursuit on August 20 last year.

Sentencing him at the time, Recorder Simon Batiste warned Dixon: “You have a sword hanging over your head, take advantage of the opportunity given to you.”

Despite being banned from driving for two years, prosecutor Paul Nicholson told the same court that Dixon had been caught behind the wheel of an Audi on Midland Road in Bradford on September 26.

After he reached 51mph in a 30mph zone, police indicated for Dixon to stop, but he cut the corner onto Nesfield Street and then drove onto Manningham Lane.

Officers said that Dixon “almost lost control and collided with parked vehicles”, also forcing a taxi driver to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Dixon, of Navigation Drive, Apperley Bridge, admitted driving without due care and attention, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

The court heard he had complied with all aspects of the community order imposed as part of his suspended sentence - including 120 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation requirement - and had managed to secure a job.

Judge David Hatton QC said he was left with a “stark choice” of activating the suspended sentence, resulting in a short prison term, or punishing Dixon in a different way.

He told him: “You do seem to have positive features, so I’m prepared to give you a chance. But, it’s likely to be the last one.”

Judge Hatton told Dixon his suspended sentence would remain active until August next year, and added a further four-month sentence, suspended for 18 months. He ordered him to pay £500 in fines, complete 80 hours of unpaid work, and abide by a two-month curfew. He remains banned from driving until February 2019.

The judge told Dixon: “You are now subject to two suspended sentences. You are in grave danger and at great risk for some time to come.”