A MAN warned that he needed a “clean bill of health” in his behaviour to avoid prison has been spared jail after a “glowing” probation report.

Darren Gill, 29, of West Lane, Keighley, had his sentenced deferred at Bradford Crown Court last August after admitting offences of dangerous driving and the possession of cannabis.

The court was told that on December 16, 2016, Gill led police on a six-minute chase through the streets of Keighley, reaching speeds of 70mph in 30mph zones before crashing his car into a wall.

He was spared immediate custody due to the “exceptional” intervention of his probation officer, Gareth Green, who advocated a community-based penalty.

Jayne Beckett, defending, said Gill was in work to support his partner and ten-week-old baby, adding: “He has done everything and more of what he was asked to do.”

Gill was jailed for ten months, suspended for two years, told to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work and a responsible road users course, and banned from driving for a further six months.