Teen sparked Tipton police chase after taking mother's car

Soheb Ali, aged 18, who did not have a licence, reached speeds of up to 50mph in 30mph zones.

He eventually abandoned the Nissan Micra and was found hiding in bushes, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

He yesterday pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving, using a motor vehicle without insurance and driving without a licence.

Ali has been warned that the sentence may be custodial.

Police were patrolling Coneygree Road in Tipton when they decided to use their blue lights to pull the Micro over on June 7.

Prosecutor Mr Roger Bleazard said officers got out of their car to speak to Ali, the driver, as well as another man inside.

But as they approached the car drove off and the chase began, the court heard,

It was pursued along Fisher Street, Dudley Port – where it went through red lights – and Morrison Road before it was eventually found abandoned in Johns Lane. The chase lasted between two and three minutes and during some of it Ali had his headlights off.

Miss Sarah Froggatt, defending, urged magistrates to retain jurisdiction in the case. She said Ali, of Park Lane East in Tipton, had made full and frank admissions and highlighted his previous clean record.

"This was a moment of stupidity," she said. "He is suffering as a result of his actions because he was bailed to a different address and told not to have any contact with his mother."

She said her client had 'had a wake-up call' since the chase, not mixing with the same people and focusing on his mechanics course at Sandwell College. She said he is now living with his uncle.

But magistrates decided the circumstances were too serious and their sentencing powers were insufficient.

He was bailed and is due to return to the court for sentencing on August 8. The time the offences occured was not revealed in court yesterday.