A BANNED and uninsured driver who took police on a chase around a number of Bradford streets has been given a suspended sentence.

Lee Bourgaise, 52, was spotted by police officers speeding in a Peugeot van on Wibsey Park Avenue, Wibsey, at 2.30am, and a police pursuit less than three minutes long followed.

He pleaded guilty to driving dangerously on a number of roads around Buttershaw and Wibsey.

During the police chase Bourgaise, who was under the influence of drink and drugs, narrowly missed crashing into another vehicle and was driving at speeds of more than 65mph in a 30mph zone.

The pursuit was over when Bourgaise, of Sutton Avenue, Bradford, stopped voluntarily for the officers and was then arrested, Bradford Crown Court was told today. The incident took place at around 2.30am on June 15 last year.

He was also charged with failing to provide a breath specimen when required to do so and for driving while disqualified and with no insurance.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, disqualified from driving for two years and given a two-year community requirement.

Recorder Jonathan Sandiford QC told Bourgaise: "You put at risk police officers whose job it was to stop you. You put at risk anyone else around at that time."

Peter Hampton, defending, said Bourgaise was breaking down mentally at the time of the incident due to the breakdown of a relationship.

Bourgaise is now getting professional help to address his 'long standing and complex' personal issues and is taking anti-craving medication.