Driver led police on high-speed pursuit through Wednesfield

A driver led police on a high-speed pursuit just days after being released from 10 months in custody awaiting a trial that ended with him being acquitted, it emerged today.

Banned driver Adam Walker raced through the streets in a black BMW?Mini forcing other motorists to swerve out of the way after being spotted by police, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard. Mark Jackson, prosecuting, said: "It was being driven erratically at excessive speed and accelerated away when requested to stop by the police officers."

The Mini sped along Deans Road, Wednesfield, failing to stop at red lights.

Oncoming traffic was forced to brake to avoid a collision before the Mini was abandoned and the driver fled on foot into Wood Street, Lanesfield, where he was detained.

Walker, from Castlebridge Gardens, Wednesfield, who had been acquitted of an unrelated matter after a trial on July 3, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified.

He had been remanded back into custody following his arrest on July 14.

Oliver Woolhouse, defending, said 25-year-old Walker had taken the Mini out to check an alleged engine fault for a friend who owned the car and was a passenger.

Mr Woolhouse said: "He knew he should not be driving and made off after being spotted by the police."

Walker, who had previous convictions, was given a one-year jail sentence suspended under supervision for two years. He also received a three-month night time curfew with 180 hours unpaid work and a three year driving ban.

Judge Martin Walsh said: "This was an offence committed by you within days of having been acquitted by a jury. The only relevance of that matter is you spent ten months in custody whilst on remand and that is a significant factor."