A learner driver who led police on a 105mph chase has been banned before he even had a chance to take his test.
Adam Wyeth panicked when police pulled him over for having illegally customised tyres just outside Buckfastleigh and sped off down country roads.
He reached speeds of 80mph in partially built-up areas and police gave up their pursuit when he went onto the A38 and accelerated to well over 100mph.
The unemployed factory worker bought the Astra a few days before the chase in April in anticipation of passing his test but he only had a provisional licence and no insurance.
The chase started near the South Devon Railway in Dartbridge Road and went through Strode Road and Plymouth Road before moving onto the A38.
The driving was particularly dangerous because it was on wet roads at 3.30pm during the school run and start of the rush hour.
Wyeth, aged 23, who is now living on a farm near Buckfastleigh, admitted dangerous driving, illegal tyres, no licence and insurance and was jailed for six months, suspended for two years with 120 hours unpaid community work and 25 days supervision.
He was banned from driving for a year and ordered to take an extended driving test by Recorder Mr Paul Dunkels, QC, at Exeter Crown Court.
He told him: ‘This was thoughtless, irresponsible, utterly dangerous driving during a police pursuit in which you were attempting to get away.
‘You drove the wrong side of a Give Way bollard, at over 70mph in built-up areas and nearly 80mph at times. Having viewed footage of the pursuit, it is extremely fortunate that nobody came out of a side road or that a pedestrian did not step into the road.
‘They would have stood no chance. It is fortunate nobody was killed or seriously injured, or you would be going to prison for a long time.’
Miss Emily Pitts, prosecuting, said police stopped the Astra in Dartbridge Road on April 9 because it had tyres which had been fitted in a customised way which made them bulge and look distinctive, but which is dangerous and illegal.
Traffic officers asked Wyeth to pull into the car park of the South Devon Railway where it was safer to speak to him, but instead he sped off.
She showed the judge police dashcam footage of Wyeth’s Astra going at speed through villages and country roads before the pursuit was abandoned on the A38 where the police car reached 105 mphbut could not catch him.
Miss Hollie Gilbery, defending, asked the Judge to follow the suggestion of a probation report which revealed that Wyeth has Aspergers, ADHD, and learning difficulties.
She said the conditions led him to panic. He was at a low point in his life at the time after losing a factory job due to illness and being thrown out of home for not paying his keep.
He is now living in a caravan on a farm owned by a friend and doing odd jobs by way of rent. he wants to get back to full-time work as soon as possible because he has debts of more than £20,000 he needs to pay off.