A JUDGE has told a motorist to “grow up” after he was caught driving dangerously for the third time.

Jailing 23-year-old Harun Mahmood for 12 months, Judge Timothy Clayson told him: “You are young, it’s to be hoped that you grow up quickly.

“The best thing you can do for yourself is get yourself a decent job, fill your life in a useful way and enable your parents to be proud of you.

“At the moment they must feel terrible shame and disappointment and my feelings are with them.”

The Bolton News:

Bolton Crown Court heard how police attempted to stop a VW Passat they spotted on Deane Road at 11.15pm on February 11 and checks revealed it had no registered owner.

Mahmood, of Cawdor Street, Farnworth was at the wheel and carrying a passenger and initially appeared to be stopping but then sped off, leading police on a 10 minute chase around Great Lever streets at up to 80mph.

Philip Hall, prosecuting, told the court how Mahmood reached speeds of up to 80mph, caused another driver to swerve to avoid a collision, drove on the wrong side of the road, ignored red traffic lights and went over speed bumps at 70mph.

“On one occasion as the back of the vehicle left the ground and hit the floor with sparks coming off the rear of the vehicle as it landed,” said Mr Hall.

“During the pursuit the defendant made an attempt to disable the police vehicle by coming to a complete stop.

“The police officer believed he would do this by reversing into his vehicle. The officer positioned his vehicle directly behind the defendant’s vehicle which didn’t allow the defendant to build up any speed.”

The chase continued and the police helicopter was called out to track the Passat and its occupants after they came to a halt and tried to run away.

The court heard that, as well as driving offences, Mahmood has 13 previous convictions for offences including robbery and violence.

Mahmood pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no insurance.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said the car had been shared between Mahmood and his friends and he “panicked” when police tried to stop him.

He told the court: “He says that it is the last time you will see his face. He has had the opportunity of reflecting and now wants to pursue a more lawful lifestyle.”

Judge Clayson, who also banned Mahmood from driving for three years and six months, told him: “This was around 10 minutes of grossly dangerous driving.”