A SPEEDING driver who “played cat and mouse” with the police by accelerating off down residential streets has been jailed for eight months.

Sohail Akhtar pulled up twice when ordered to stop by an officer on motorcycle patrol but then revved off into the distance, Bradford Crown Court heard.

“I don’t know whether you were having fun with the police or trying to get away, it doesn’t make much difference to me,” Judge Robert Bartfield told him.

Akhtar, 23, of Wardle Crescent, Braithwaite, Keighley, was reported to the police by members of the public on May 6 for speeding round a residential area in a white Vauxhall Astra.

Prosecutor Alisha Kaye told the court that Akhtar waited until the officer had got off his bike to speak to him before accelerating away. He was pursued at 1.50pm along Goulbourne Street, Keighley, on to Victoria Road and Hird Street.

When Akhtar turned on to Lister Street, a dead end, he stopped the car and ran off. He handed himself into the police three days later, the court was told.

Miss Kaye said that Akhtar almost hit an oncoming vehicle and that small children had to jump out of the way during the police chase. Akhtar, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and to having no licence or insurance, had a previous conviction for aggravated vehicle taking, dating from 2014.

He admitted the latest offences at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court and was sent to the crown court for sentence.

Akhtar’s barrister, Ian Howard, said he had made good his escape when he fled from the car but chose to hand himself in.

He had been valeting the car for a friend but could not resist the temptation to have a drive in it.

Judge Bartfield, who watched CCTV of the pursuit, said: “He is stopping, playing cat and mouse with the police. Well, he’ll have to pay for it.”

Akhtar was banned from driving for 22 months.

Judge Bartfield said that Akhtar was ordered to stop by the police after reports that the Astra was being driven fast round a residential area. “You put the lives of pedestrians and small children at risk and it was all for your fun,” he said.

It was Akhtar’s second similar offence after he was given a suspended sentence and a ban for aggravated vehicle taking four years ago.

Judge Bartfield said that Akhtar had not learned his lesson. He had decided to “see off” a police officer by driving at high speed.

“You are a valued member of your family, with many good characteristics, but those who try to evade the police by driving at high speed down residential streets will go to custody,” he said.