A 20-YEAR-OLD Stroud motorist who sped away from police officers - and drove dangerously through red lights when he had no licence or insurance - has avoided jail at Gloucester crown court.

Joseph Swindell, of Rodborough Avenue, pleaded guilty at Gloucester crown court on Friday to dangerous driving on October 6 last year in a Mini that he had just bought.

He was observed by officers speeding on the Ebley bypass at 3.50am, said prosecutor Ellen McAnaw.

She told Judge Michael Harington the officers began to follow and believed that Swindell was unaware they were behind him.

Swindell was observed to to be driving at 60 mph in a 40 zone, then 100 mph in a 60 zone.

Ms McAnaw said the officers believed Swindell then became aware of the police car following him and drove through a red light in a bid to escape.

The police illuminated their blue lights, but Swindell refused to stop.

“The officer was not pursuit trained,” Ms McAnaw said. “He had to slow down, but witnessed him going through junctions without giving way.

“He then went down country lanes, and was lost to sight,” the prosecutor said.

However Swindell was traced the next day when police approached the vehicle’s registered keeper who explained it had been recently sold to Swindell, and gave his address.

The mini was found there, and when searched a knife was located inside.

Judge Harington described the knife as ‘quite unpleasant’ but Swindell’s lawyer, Joe Maloney, argued it was for ‘ornamental’ purposes.

Moreover, Mr Maloney argued his client had ‘problems to do with his maturity and naivety’.

“In many ways the offences were committed on impulse,” Mr Maloney said. “He has not been in trouble since October.”

Swindell was given an eight month jail term suspended for two years and a two year driving ban.

He was ordered to attend a thinking skills programme, complete six rehabilitation sessions and 150 hours of unpaid work.