See the moment learner driver raced from police at up to 116mph in Northumberland

Ryan Dean refused to pull over his Ford Focus when officers in Cramlington, Northumberland, activated blue lights and sirens in a bid to make him stop, then drove at twice the 30mph speed limit in built up areas during darkness.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 24-year-old, who was carrying a group of pals in the car, almost collided with another vehicle as he headed towards the A189 to Blyth on rain covered roads.

Prosecutor Peter Schofield told the court: "The dual carriageway has a 70 limit but, in fact, over the course of approximately three to four miles in total, the speed of the Focus would range between mid 70s to a height of around 116mph."

The court heard because of the dangerous speed Dean was driving at, tactical pursuit officers and the police helicopter were drafted in.

Mr Schofield added: "The driver lost control of the vehicle for a temporary period before it sped into Haggerston Road.

"At that point the vehicle mounted a footpath and drove for a period along the footpath before stopping."

The court heard Dean was detained at the scene and tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

Mr Schofield added: "He had a provisional licence only and clearly had no insurance for the vehicle."

Dean, of Chestnut Street, Ashington, Northumberland, admitted dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and otherwise in accordance with a licence.

Mr Recorder Craig Hassall told him it was a "course of frighteningly dangerous driving" and told him: "You accelerated to speeds of up to 116mph on a dual carriageway, which was clearly covered in standing water.

"It was obviously very poor driving conditions for anybody, let alone at that speed."

The court heard Dean has had time to "reflect" on his behaviour since the offences on June 5.

The judge told him: "I hope your reflection has included consideration of what would have happened if you had lost control in standing water at 116mph, with not just you in the car but your friends as well.

"I hope you have properly reflected on the fact that obviously, in the circumstances, the greatest likelihood is you would all have been killed."

The judge said "mercifully" nobody was actually hurt and Dean, who has never been in trouble before and has health problems, does not pose a risk of causing harm to the public.

Dean was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a six month nighttime curfew and a one year road ban.

Geoff Knowles, defending, told the court: "He acknowledges exactly what he did, he panicked.

"It was an extended piece of very appalling driving.

"There was an idiot behind the steering wheel on that particular evening.

"He is genuinely remorseful."

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