A man has been spared an immediate prison sentence for driving dangerously in Bradford during a police chase.

Umair Shakeel, 22, of Ryan Street, West Bowling, Bradford, sped off in a black Vauxhall Astra because he knew he was unlicensed and uninsured, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

He was pursued for several minutes from Ransdale Road, across Manchester Road and through a residential area that included St Stephens Road and Wood Royd Road.

Shakeel pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance at 3pm on September 12 last year.

The court heard he jumped a red light and drove at speed along streets where young children and their parents were travelling home from school. Other drivers had to take evasive action to avoid the Astra on Manchester Road, the court was told.

Shakeel was arrested at the scene and made no reply when questioned by the police.

Since committing the offences, he had been convicted of driving while disqualified and sentenced to a community order.

He had no previous convictions and was doing well on the order, the court heard.

Recorder Kirstie Watson said the dangerous driving lasted minutes but put the safety of others at risk.

She warned Shakeel he had come very, very close to an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a four month curfew order and banned from driving for 12 months.