Driver undertook vehicles at 100mph on M65 near Blackburn

Frank Tidswell, 23, of Lothersdale, Keighley, near the border of Lancashire and West Yorkshire, sped along the motorway in a Volkswagen Golf, weaving between traffic and undertaking vehicles at dangerously high speeds.

Tidswell and a passenger were returning from a day out to Blackpool at around 6.30pm on June 13 when a police officer in an unmarked car spotted the vehicle near Blackburn.

Seren Lewis, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said Tidswell increased his speed to 120mph between J6 for the Whitebirk Roundabout and J7 for Clayton-le-Moors.

Preston Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

He dropped to 100mph close to J8 and undertook a white SUV at that speed.

Another traffic officer was informed and said they would wait at J10 (Burnley) to help stop the vehicle.

Ms Lewis said as Tidswell was approaching J12 (Nelson) he tailgated a white Volkswagen Polo, forcing it to move into lane one to avoid a crash.

Past J13 (Colne) at the end of the M65, Tidswell reached 140mph. At this point the pursuing officer activated their lights and sirens. Tidswell pulled over straight away and was cautioned and interviewed.

Ms Lewis said Tidswell had one previous conviction for two offences. This offence put him in breach of a suspended sentence imposed by Bradford Crown Court earlier this year for possessing cocaine with intent to supply, though the offence took place around four years ago when Tidswell was 18.

Daniel Harman, defending, said Tidswell had made a "mistake and an error of judgement" after being told he had to get home to look after his grandfather.

He said Tidswell made a "stupid decision to speed" but said it would have been "very easy for the police to stop him long before they did."

Recorder Emma Fisher, sentencing, said she disagreed with Mr Harman that this was "purely a speed case," saying "undertaking at these speeds creates a different level of dangerous conduct."

Ms Fisher sentenced Tidswell to 24 weeks in prison but suspended the sentence for 20 months. She told Tidswell to look to his family in the public gallery and said: "I want you to remember that. You are at a crossroads. I'm giving you a chance - take it."

Tidswell was also ordered to complete 20 hours of unpaid work. The previous suspended sentence was not activated.