'A flagrant disregard for other road users': Biker jailed after being filmed from police helicopter putting lives in danger during 17 minute chase through Gipton

Luke Ansbro was locked up for four months over the pursuit through Gipton on April 20 last year.

The 21-year-old had bought the motorbike earlier that day when police spotted him riding above the speed limit on Gipton Approach.

David Ward, prosecuting, said patrol officers put on blue lights and sirens but Ansbro failed to stop and joined the A64 York Road.

The defendant rode at 60mph in a 40mph zone and weaved in an out of traffic.

Police became concerned for the safety of members of the public and got ready to use a stinger device to deflate the tyres of the motorbike.

Ansbro rode onto a cycle path near to the Killingbeck Asda store to avoid the device.

He then went back onto the road in the opposite carriageway and went the wrong way around roundabouts.

He got off the machine and appeared to look for somewhere to hide it.

Ansbro then got back on and rode onto a residential estate.

He was filmed riding on pavements and through alleyways.

Ansbro almost struck a car head-on and the driver had to swerve to avoid a collision.

The defendant then got off the motorbike and hid the key.

He removed his helmet and put it in bushes before pulling his hood up and walking away.

Officers in the helicopter were able to direct colleagues on the ground to the defendant and he was arrested.

The incident lasted 17 minutes.

Andsbro, of York Road, Gipton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

He has previous convictions for having no licence or insurance and a drug offence.

Craig Sutcliffe, mitigating, said Ansbro pleaded guilty to the offence at an early stage, adding: "He was frank about his stupidity on that day."

He said Ansbro had just bought the motorbike and planned to sell it on for profit.

Mr Sutcliffe continued: "Having spent the last of his money on it he panicked and acted in a stupid manner before coming to his senses."

Judge Robin Mairs said: "I have watched the helicopter footage.

"It was a flagrant disregard for other road users.

Jailing Ansbro, the Judge said: "It is something of a short, sharp shock.

"I hope the sentence is long enough to act as a deterrent to show you what prison is like but not long enough to make you institutionalised or lose your fear of custody."