A DANGER driver, who decided to "run" the police, has been jailed for more than a year.

Sentencing Jerome McIntosh, 22, to 13 months and two weeks in prison, Judge Robert Bartfield said: "The offence is so serious there has to be an immediate custodial sentence. People have to understand, if this is what they choose to do, that will be the result."

Bradford Crown Court was yesterday told patrolling police officers, in a marked car, spotted a Vauxhall Astra in Tong Street, Bradford, which had been reported to be using false registration plates. McIntosh was driving.

They illuminated their blue lights and McIntosh initially pulled over, but then accelerated away on the wrong side of the carriageway.

During a pursuit, lasting ten minutes, and over a distance of two to three miles, the Astra was driven at 75mph in a 30mph zone, pulled in front of a lorry causing the driver to take evasive action, forced its way through slow moving traffic and failed to stop for a red light, narrowly missing other motorists.

McIntosh then drove down Parkway, off Rooley Lane, narrowly avoiding a collision with a bus, before stopping at the kerb.

He got out and fled on foot on to wasteland, chased by police. The police helicopter and a dog handler were also involved, and the helicopter detected a heat source in bushes. McIntosh came out of his hiding place and was arrested.

McIntosh, of Newlands Avenue, Bradford Moor, Bradford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and having no insurance.

His barrister, Stephen Wood, said it was a "profound pity" his client had to take responsibility for the driving, but he had had the courage to own up to what he had done.

He had substantial family responsibilities, which he took seriously.

Nobody was injured by his driving and it was not aggravated by any consumption of drink or drugs.

But Judge Bartfield told McIntosh: "Unfortunately, you decided to run the police.

"It is only by the grace of God that nobody suffered death or serious injury from your driving."

Judge Bartfield said he gave the defendant credit for his plea of guilty.