A BRADFORD drug dealer who was awaiting trial on charges of selling crack cocaine and heroin - and was then arrested for dangerous driving and leading officers on a police chase - has been jailed.

Madani Arshad, 22, of Denby Street, Bradford, was sentenced to 30 months in prison at Bradford Crown Court today (Friday).

The court heard that Arshad was arrested in Burnley on October 8, 2021, for selling crack cocaine and heroin.

The prosecution said Arshad was caught selling drugs in the incident and tried to drive off on a white scooter. A PSCO grabbed the bike, so Arshad fled on foot and was later arrested by police.

He was found in possession of £330 in cash and approximately £400 worth of crack cocaine and £400 worth of heroin.

The prosecution said Arshad had a "very bad cannabis addiction" and worked with a drug dealer to deliver drugs and collect money to "work off his debt".

However, while he awaiting trial on the drug charges, on April 23 this year, Arshad was driving a silver Audi A4 on White Abbey Road in Bradford when police officers tried to follow him.

The prosecution said Arshad sped off and the police "instigated a pursuit".

The police stopped Arshad, but when an officer approached his vehicle and tried to open the vehicle, the door was locked and Arshad "accelerated away" from the scene almost running over the officer's foot.

Another chase ensued with speeds reaching up to 88mph in 30mph zones.

Arshad did eventually pull over, where officers arrested him and found one of his passengers having a panic attack.

Arshad's defence solicitor described him as a "hard-working high achiever who at the age of 16 fell in with the wrong crowd and was clearly working at the behest of others".

He called his driving offence "a moment of stupidity" and said he was "egged on by others in the vehicle".

"He is very ashamed and remorseful about his behaviour."

In sentencing Arshad to 24 months in prison on the two drug charges (possession with intent to supply Class A drugs), His Honour Judge Colin Burn said: "You were caught redhanded by police in Lancashire for selling drugs directly to users.

"Then while awaiting trial, you decided to embark on dangerous driving where you performed high-speed manoeuvres and drove at speeds of up to 88mph in a 30mph zone. I'm going to have to give you a consecutive six-month sentence. You brought this upon yourself."

In addition to his 30-month sentence, Arshad was disqualified from driving for 27 months and will have to sit an extended retest. 

The cash will also be forfeited, the drugs destroyed and Arshad will have to pay a court surcharge.