Unlicensed driver involved in two dangerous police car chases in Leeds within a week is sent to prison

James Lyons was locked up for ten months after a court heard how he put other motorists in danger during the incidents in the Osmondthorpe and Burmantofts areas of the city in November last year.

Nicola Hoskins, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court that officers saw Lyons driving at excessive speed in a black Range Rover on November 15.

The officers followed and had to drive at 50mph in busy residential areas in order to keep up with Lyons' vehicle.

Ms Hoskins said Lyons failed to stop and cut corners during the incident which lasted around three minutes.

Lyons drove into a cul-de-sac on Rookwood Mount, Osmondthorpe, and ran from the vehicle.

Checks revealed Lyons only held a provisional driving licence.

The defendant was seen behind the wheel of the same vehicle on November 21.

He accelerated away from the police vehicle on Gledhow Road and reached 70mph on Dolly Lane.

Other drivers had to swerve out of the way to avoid a collision.

Ms Hoskins said the officers lost sight of the vehicle but it was later found in the car park at St James' Hospital.

Lyons, of Torre Mount, Burmantofts, was identified as the driver from CCTV footage.

The court heard the 28-year-old has 19 previous convictions, for offences including burglary and dangerous driving.

Anna Bond, mitigating, said Lyons pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage.

Ms Bond said both incidents lasted a short period of time.

The barrister said Lyons had a job and worked hard to support his five-year-old son.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: "I am afraid it must be immediate custody."