'Unfortunate' dangerous driver arrested when he tried to hide from Leeds police in the house of an off-duty officer after car chase

Connor Caddon unwittingly forced his way into the off duty policeman's home as he tried to hide from patrol officers who followed him across west Leeds.

Leeds Crown Court heard Caddon was spotted driving his Vauxhall Astra dangerously on Armley Town Street on July 25 this year.

Jessica Randell, prosecuting, said Caddon had two passengers in his vehicle as he overtook a bus at speed as the area was busy with pedestrians.

Caddon failed to stop despite officers putting on blue lights and sirens.

He drove on the wrong side of the carriageway and overtook vehicles on Armley Ridge Road before turning into a residential estate.

The 20-year-old continued to drive erratically and almost collided with an oncoming vehicle.

Read more: Leeds pensioner collapsed in shock after being targeted by 'mean and wicked' purse snatcherCaddon abandoned his car on Oban Street when another police vehicle joined the pursuit.

Ms Randell said the defendant approached a homeowner and asked if he could hide inside his house.

The man said "no" but Caddon pushed past him and hid behind the front door.

Ms Randell said the homeowner was an off-duty police officer.

He spoke to Caddon and the defendant said to him: "Come on bruv. It's not a stolen car."

The prosecutor said the officer was concerned for his safety because he was not wearing protective equipment.

He detained Caddon and alerted the officers who were looking for him.

Caddon then lashed out at the off-duty officer. The officer cut himself on furniture as he fell to the ground.

Caddon, of Butterbowl Mount, Farnley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, assault by beating and having no licence.

He has a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer.

Probation office Gohar Khan told the court that Caddon was in a stable relationship and worked hard for a living.

Caddon was given a six-month sentence, suspended for nine months.

He was also ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work, complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay the injured officer £200 in compensation.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: "It was good fortune that someone was not seriously hurt by the manner of your driving.

"The offence is further aggravated by the fact that you went into somebody's house to hide from the police.

"It was your misfortune, perhaps, that it was the home of an off-duty police officer."