An 'irresponsible' uninsured driver who reached speeds of over 100mph and drove directly into oncoming traffic in an attempt to evade police has been sentenced.

On December 18, 2021, officers spotted an uninsured male driver of a silver Vauxhall Zafira on the M66 motorway.

After the driver failed to stop at the request of police, officers pursued the vehicle across Greater Manchester for over 37 minutes until he eventually stopped and was arrested.

The driver, Saif Ghalib, 22, of Chester Close, Blackburn, was sentenced on Monday (January 24) after leading officers on the lengthy pursuit across Greater Manchester.

Ghalib was charged with failing to stop a motor vehicle when directed by a police officer, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving a motor vehicle otherwise that in accordance with a licence, and use of a motor vehicle in a public place without insurance.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 18 months with a requirement to take an extended test.

PC Paul Ashworth said: "We are committed to making the roads of Greater Manchester safer for everyone. This includes, at the last resort, having to pursue those that risk putting others at harm.

"This action is just one example of the work we do on a daily basis to make our roads a safer place.

"Ghalib's actions behind the wheel that day were unacceptable and irresponsible. He put countless people at harm with his reckless driving.

"Thankfully, no one was injured and we have one less dangerous driver off our roads."