A dangerous driver reached double the speed limits during a police chase, which ended when he crashed into a taxi.

Police spotted Scott Mallalieu driving a Ford Focus in the town at around 5pm on May 20 this year.

Officers believed he was driving evasively and when they attempted to approach him Mallileu fled.

Bolton Crown Court heard he mounted the pavement and hit 60mph in a 30mph residential area.

Keith Jones, prosecuting, said: "Police officers describe the defendant as over taking members of the public, contravening numerous red lights and give way signs. 

"The pursuit began with the defendant being blocked in, when police pulled up he reversed his vehicle and collided with the police vehicle."

Footage showed the pursuit which took place along Manchester Road, Green lane, Crescent Road, Leicester Street, Rishton Lane, Settle Street and Lever Edge Lane.

After the collision Mallalieu, aged 36,  ran off but was detained by officers at the scene.

He appeared to be sentenced after admitting dangerous driving, failing to stop for police as well as driving without insurance or a licence.

Andrew Evans, defending, said: "He describes this as the worst decision of his life.

"There are two poor decisions, the first was getting into the car in the first place, the  second was to flee the police."

But he said Mallalieu had since found work and was supporting his family who were dependent on him and would lose out if he were sent to prison.

The Honrary Recorder of Bolton Judge Martin Walsh said: "The issue is whether I send you to immediate custody.

"It seems to me the probation service may be able to work with you in the form of a sentence in the community."

He suspended a sentence of 12 months for two years, ordered him to attend 25 rehabilitation activity days and complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

He also banned him from the roads for four years and placed him on a curfew requiring him to remain at his home on Parkfield Road, Bolton, between 8pm and 6am for three months.

Millelieu was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £425.