A DRIVER reached speeds of more than 60mph in a residential area of Southampton during a police car chase, a court heard.

Kieran Roath and passenger Mandeep Singh were in a black Peugeot 307 when officers noticing them driving with fog lights on.

Panicked by the police following them along John Thornycroft Road, Woolston, Roath, a former takeaway driver for ‘Speedy P’, sped away from the officers, who themselves reached speeds of above 60mph but were still unable to catch up with the car.

The chase ended as the 22-year-old parked up near the toilets in Weston Parade, where officers saw the pair trying to throw away cannabis and cash.

Southampton Crown Court heard that the police seized nearly £2,000 in cash.

Describing the chase, prosecutor Rose Burns said: “At one point they were travelling along the road on the right-hand side when they came to the roundabout at Weston Lane.

“Smoke was coming from the car and when Roath heavily braked to get around the roundabout track tyre marks were left across the road.”

It is the first time that Roath has appeared before the courts and was previously a man of good character.

Mitigating, Richard Taylor told the court Roath “panicked”.

He added that “had they stopped the car when asked to by the police they would have been cautioned” following the late night incident on April 8.

Mr Taylor added: “He should not have driven away like he did.”

In sentencing Roath, Judge Gary Burrell QC said: “You could have quite easily killed someone or injured yourself driving at that speed.

“It’s crazy and this could have ended up in a tragic way.”

Judge Burrell QC added: “You were incredibly stupid.”

Roath, of Chapel Street, Southampton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to nine-months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Roath was also told he must carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions.

In addition he disqualified from driving for 12 months.