An unlicensed driver who sped off from the police after forcing his way through rush hour traffic has been spared an immediate custodial sentence after the court heard his ADHD would make him vulnerable in prison.

Mohammed Bilal had come close to leaving court through the back door to the cells, the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Richard Mansell QC, told him today.

Bilal, 22, of Ransdale Drive, Little Horton, Bradford, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously in a black Vauxhall Insignia on April 27 last year.

Bradford Crown Court heard that he was unlicensed, uninsured and had tested positive for cannabis at the roadside.

He had also driven again twice unlawfully while under investigation for the dangerous driving offence.

The court was told that police officers on patrol in Cemetery Road at 6pm spotted Bilal forcing his way through queueing traffic. The officers pulled alongside him and told him to hand over his car keys.

He asked to be allowed to drive to the next junction and when told no, he sped off.

He drove dangerously on Beckside Lane, Spencer Road, Great Horton Road, Horton Park Road and Laisteridge Lane, eventually stopping when he reached a dead end.

He was arrested and made no comment when questioned by the police.

In mitigation, it was stated that Bilal was a full-time supermarket worker highly regarded by his employer.

He was a carer for his poorly mother who would struggle to manage without his help.

Bilal had pleaded guilty at the magistrates’ court. It was a relatively short pursuit and no one was injured.

He was awaiting treatment for his ADHD but he was on a long waiting list. He also suffered with depression and anxiety.

He had a very supportive family and had ambitions to one day open his own shop.

Judge Mansell sentenced him to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 30 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service and a four-month curfew.

He was banned from driving for 12 months and until he passes an extended retest.

Judge Mansell said Bilal had since driven uninsured and unlicensed in November and while disqualified and uninsured in January this year.

It was a miracle he hadn’t crashed into another vehicle while being pursued by the po-lice on busy roads through residential areas.

But his ADHD had not been properly addressed and it would make him vulnerable in the adult prison where he would be sent.