A SPORTS physiotherapy graduate hit three vehicles when he led police on a high speed chase around Bradford in an Audi A3.

Connor Deans, 20, was pursued by three patrol cars along streets, including Huddersfield Road, Paley Road and Bowling Park Drive.

Deans, of Raymond Street, off Mayo Avenue, Bradford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no licence or vehicle insurance.

He was sent by magistrates to Bradford Crown Court for sentence and today narrowly escaped being locked up.

Deans was recalled to custody on licence after his release from a 40 month sentence of detention imposed in 2013 for supplying Class A drugs and driving offences.

Prosecutor Simon Haring said Deans failed to stop for the police at 4.40pm on Saturday, May 16, and jumped two sets of red lights in a bid to shake off the law.

He went up to 60mph in a 30mph zone and 73mph in a 40 speed limit area.

He mounted the pavement, hit a parked car when swerving to avoid an oncoming JCB digger, and drove at 40mph through the car park at a DIY centre.

At one stage, three police cars had joined the pursuit.

Deans then overtook when there was no room to get past the vehicle in front and collided with it, causing significant damage.

He drove into a dead end and damaged a police vehicle when he flung open the door of the Audi to run off.

He was chased and detained by officers.

Angus MacDonald, Deans' barrister, said he was very remorseful for his stupid actions.

He was a very intelligent young man with a supportive family.

He had completed a sports science and physiotherapy course and was now considering a career in accountancy.

Deans' mother had written a letter to the judge in support of her son.

Judge Peter Benson sentenced Deans to eight months detention in a young offender institution, suspended for two years.

He was banned from driving for 18 months and must take an extended retest before he can get a licence.

Deans was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order.

Judge Benson said he drove in "a reckless and stupid fashion."

"You are very fortunate to have this chance to make something of yourself," he told Deans.