A BANNED driver who broke both his heels leaping a high fence to escape from pursuing police officers has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.

Jordan Rawson, 22, who dreamed of making a career in the car trade, was found lying seriously injured on concrete steps after a high speed 'blue light' chase across central Bradford.

Rawson, of Gatehaus Apartment, Bradford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no vehicle insurance, on June 13 last year.

Prosecutor Jo Shepherd told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that officers on patrol in Great Horton Road spotted Rawson speeding in a grey Volkswagen Touareg.

He turned into the KFC drive-though in Ingleby Road, Girlington, and emerged two minutes later, before pulling up when ordered to by the police.

But when an officer approached on foot, Rawson sped off and was pursued on to Rosse Street and Brownroyd Street before turning into Thornton Road.

He was driving at almost twice the 30pmh speed limit and officers feared he would roll the car.

Rawson turned into a dead end and abandoned the vehicle with the engine running.

The police took him to hospital when they found him lying injured on the steps.

Miss Shepherd said he had 11 previous convictions for nine offences, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance.

Rawson's barrister, James Bourne-Arton, insisted to the court that her client was not a thrill seeker who took vehicles especially to drive them dangerously.

He wanted a career in the motor trade because "cars are his singular interest in life".

"Unless he has a lengthy period without offending, he will never fulfil his dreams and work in the motor industry," Mr Bourne-Arton said.

Rawson had kept out of trouble since the incident and wanted a final opportunity to prove he could stay out of trouble.

He had left school with good qualifications and was a capable man who could be a beneficial member of society.

Judge Paul Camp told Rawson: "You are rapidly acquiring a very bad driving record indeed. This was a blue light chase. You hit the kerb and you could have caused serious injury to someone else."

He sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and banned him from driving for three years. He must carry out a probation service activity requirement.

Rawson must take an extended driving test before he can obtain a licence.