A YOUNG driver who had never held a licence led police on a high-speed chase around Worcester city centre in the early hours, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Paul Biddle ignored all attempts to stop him and eventually crashed into a wall, said Stephen Davies, prosecuting. He drove at 75mph to 80mph on roads with a 30mph limit on March 12.

He left the damaged car in Bromyard Road with his girlfriend in the passenger seat.

Mr Davies said: “He showed complete disregard for other road users.”

Biddle, aged 18, of Openfields caravan site, Barley Lane, Bromyard, was sent to youth custody for nine months after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. He was disqualified for two years.

He was said to have 18 previous convictions for 47 offences, the latest being a conditional discharge for stealing lager from a supermarket.

Kate Brunner, defending, said Biddle had panicked but later handed himself in to police. His mother had bought him the car and it was his intention to learn to drive.

She said he and his partner had an 11-month-old child and he wanted to be a better parent.

Keith Hylton, of the youth offending service, said Biddle had carried out voluntary work on a farm and had gained a certificate to allow him to work on construction sites.

But Judge Christopher Plunkett told Biddle: “You created a danger of death to other people and yourself. You had complete disregard for pedestrians, children and cyclists.”