'Sheer luck no one was killed': Drug driver was more than three times the limit for cannabis during dangerous police chase in Leeds

The incident took place after Jack Hodgson was spotted driving a Vauxhall Vectra on false plates on Leeds Road, near to the village of Scholes, on September 6 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard police officers followed the vehicle and Hodgson, who had a passenger in the car, increased his speed.

The officers put on blue lights and sirens but the defendant refused to stop and continued to drive above the speed limit in residential areas.

The pursuit continued for around a mile on Barwick Road, Cross Gates Road and Penarth Road.

Hodgson ignored give way signs and went through red lights before getting out of the car as it was still moving.

The vehicle rolled into a skip on the carriageway as Hodgson ran off.

He was caught after a short chase.

The 25-year-old was tested for drugs and found to be three-and-a-half times the legal limit for cannabis.

Checks also revealed Hodgson was banned from driving.

The disqualification was imposed by magistrates in Bradford in March last year.

Hodgson, of Brooklands Garth, Seacroft, pleaded guilty to drug driving, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

Katie Spence, mitigating, said the father-of-two was sorry for what he had done and had pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage.

Ms Spence said Hodgson had a good job and that his employer had provided a reference to the court on his behalf.

He was ordered to do 210 hours of unpaid work. He must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Hodgson was also banned from driving for two years.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said: "You are an intelligent man holding down a good job who, while disqualified from driving, decided to buy a car.

"I simply don't understand. You were simply flouting the disqualification that was put in place."