A reckless driver who had never taken a test drove at 100mph in an attempt to get away from police.
Blackburn magistrates heard Musa Sultan went the wrong way around a roundabout, shot several red lights and travelled on the wrong side of the road during the pursuit which started in Brockholes Brow, Preston, and ended when a stinger was deployed in Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn.
Sultan, 20, of St George's Road, Preston, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance.
He was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months with 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work.
He was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pass an extended test before he could hold a licence.
District Judge Alexandra Preston said the fact there hadn't been a crash or injury to anyone was pure luck.
"It is of great concern to me that we regularly deal, in these courts, which young men like yourself who haven't even passed a test but choose to drive in this fashion," said District Judge Preston.
"We deal with people who have caused death by dangerous driving and you could easily have been one of them.
"The only sentence I can impose is a prison sentence and you must be very clear in your mind that you almost went to prison today."
District Judge Preston said she was persuaded to suspend the sentence because Sultan had no previous convictions.
"You have got in trouble for the first time in spectacular fashion," she said.
Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said officers were aware of a red Audi which had already failed to stop on two occasions that night when they saw the vehicle in Preston.
They pulled alongside and asked the driver to remove the keys which he did.
Ms Regala said: "As an officer approached he sped off towards Preston centre before performing a U-turn and heading back towards Blackburn."
She described how the vehicle travelled at excessive speed through residential areas and I ignored the rules of the road during the prolonged pursuit.
Bill Rawstron, defending, said his client had panicked when he realised the police were after him. His male passenger urged him not to stop because they would both get into trouble.
"He displayed gross immaturity on this night," said Mr Rawstron.
"There was an element of urging and peer pressure but he knows it was his responsibility to do the right thing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article