A ROWLEY Regis driver who hit 100mph in a terrifying high speed police pursuit has avoided a spell behind bars.

Simon Hanson, aged 36, panicked when he was asked to pull over by patrolling police officers because he had no insurance, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Hanson who had bought his Ford Mondeo for just £325 three days earlier accelerated away before leading police on a 10 mile chase, said Patrick Sullivan prosecuting.

He said Hanson who was continually urged by his passenger to slow down drove through three red lights and he also went the wrong way round a traffic island.

When the chase finally came to an end Hanson a man of previous good character admitted he had behaved "like an idiot."

Hanson, of Sandford Drive, admitted dangerous driving and having no insurance, he was given an eight-month jail term suspended for a year.

He was further disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to obey a three month curfew order.

Harinderpal Dhami, for Hanson told the court his client was due to pay the insurance cover in four days time had made a "poor decision."

He had been asked for help from a friend and he made the decision to get behind the wheel to find out what was wrong.

It was then he was spotted by police in Birchfield Lane, Oldbury, and he drove away at speed having "put the needs and welfare of his friend before everything else," said Mr Dhami.