A Kosovan refugee who leapt from a moving car after a high-speed police chase across Bradford has been spared a jail sentence.

Arber Sahiti, whose family fled from “unimaginable atrocities” in their homeland, was allowed a final chance to escape being locked up at Bradford Crown Court today.

Sahiti, 20, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol and having no vehicle insurance or driving licence.

Prosecutor Andrew Stranex said Sahiti failed to stop for the police on Manchester Road, Bradford, at 3.45am on July 5.

He drove his Renault Megane at twice the speed limit, jumped a red light and crossed the central reservation during the pursuit.

The police helicopter joined in the pursuit which ended only when Sahiti leapt from the moving car, which crashed into a fence.

Sahiti, of Sowood Hill View, Halifax, had a previous conviction for aggravated vehicle taking dating from September 2011.

Judge Peter Benson sentenced Sahiti to a 12 month community order with supervision and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was banned from driving for 18 months.