A TEENAGE driver who led police on a high-speed chase around Accrington in the early hours found himself back before the courts after breaching the terms of his suspended sentence order.

Kye Hayman was given the 12-month sentence, which was suspended for six months, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and without a licence.

That related to an incident on July 18 when he led police on a 10-minute pursuit that saw him reach speeds of over 70mph before being stopped by a stinger and crashing at the junction of Willows Lane and Blackburn Road.

He was given 180 hours' unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days.

Prosecuting, Richard Bennett said that unusually Hayman had completed all of the unpaid work but just two rehab days.

Hayman, 19, of Charter Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to breaching his suspended sentence order by failing to turn up for planned appointments with his probation officer on October 11 and January 2.

Representing himself, Hayman said: “I have had a newborn baby. My girlfriend gave birth 15 weeks early. I have had quite a lot of problems. If I didn’t sort them out I probably would have ended up in jail.

“I missed quite a few appointments having to look after my partner. It has been hard. I have re-engaged with my probation officer and I have started going to all my appointments.”

The court heard that Hayman’s suspended sentence order was due to expire the day after his latest court appearance, but Judge Richard Gioserano extended it by a further six months to mark the breach.

Judge Gioserano said: “Really, this was your first time in trouble. You have been out of trouble since. I do accept you have got a fair bit on at the moment.

"You still need to see this order through.”