A 20-year-old man has been locked up for 12 months for driving a stolen £25,000 Mercedes-Benz into a public park, scattering children and dog walkers.

Andrew Rubery, of Broadstone Way, Holme Wood, Bradford, reached speeds of up to 70mph as he tried to shake off pursuing police in a chase across the city.

The silver estate car, stolen from Calverley the previous night, was spotted by officers in Dorchester Crescent, Holme Wood, on the afternoon of December 31 last year.

Prosecutor Kathryn Walsh told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that Rubery made off at speed along Cutler Heights Lane and Sticker Lane.

He drove on the wrong side of the road and overtook dangerously, forcing other drivers to swerve.

When Rubery approached stationary traffic at the Dudley Hill Roundabout, he pulled on to the central reservation to jump the queue, Miss Walsh said. He then cut back in and carried on.

Rubery sped along Bowling Hall Road at up to 70mph and through the gates into the park.

Children playing and people walking their dogs on the grass had to get out of the way.

Rubery abandoned the car and fled on foot. He was caught and arrested in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

Rubery, who did not steal the car, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and possession of a Class B drug at Bradford Magistrates’ Court.

He was remanded in custody to the Crown Court for sentence.

Rubery’s solicitor advocate, Nicholas Leadbeater, said he regretted his decision to drive dangerously in a bid to escape the police.

When he drove into the park, he deliberately steered away from a play area and slowed to walking speed once the car was on the grass.

Judge Shaun Spencer QC sentenced Rubery to 12 months’ detention in a young offender institution. He was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to take an extended re-test if he wanted to drive again.