AN unqualified Cradley Heath driver sped down a pedestrian alleyway in a desperate bid to shake off pursuing police officers after a high speed car chase through Stourbridge.

Andrew Fisher, aged 21, had no driving licence or insurance and bought the car for £260 just two days before the chase when he panicked after seeing a police patrol car on the ring road.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how he drove at speeds of up to 60mp in a 30mph limit and drove the wrong way along a dual carriageway.

He then sped across a garage forecourt to get back onto the main carriageway before driving down the alleyway in Pebble Close.

Deborah Gould, prosecuting, said the officers lost sight of him but he was arrested later when they spotted him and his passenger walking in Amblecote .

Fisher, of Lawrence Lane, admitted driving dangerously and without a licence or insurance and was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for a year.

He was also put on supervision for a year, ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work in the community and disqualified from driving for two years.

Recorder Christopher Millington QC said: "It is a miracle you did not cause any damage or serious injury to anyone walking in the area.

Amanda Tompkins, defending, said Fisher was homeless at the time and bought the car for "somewhere to sleep".