A BIKER who has never passed a driving test led police on an 85mph chase, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Neil Soley overtook an unmarked police car on the 70mph dual track on the outskirts of Stourport at a speed of 79mph, said Mr William Rickarby, prosecuting.

When he got to Kidderminster, he accelerated to 85mph along roads where the speed limit was 40mph or 30mph. His motorcycle crashed into a car in the Horsefair and he ran off but was soon arrested.

While on bail, his home in Park Street, Kidderminster, was searched and police found 40 wraps of heroin. At the police station, he had a scuffle with an officer who sustained a cut lip.

Soley, 36, now of The Foxholes, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously whilst disqualified and without insurance and a test certificate. He also admitted possessing heroin and assaulting a policeman. The court heard that he had 16 previous convictions for driving whilst disqualified, three for dangerous driving and 14 for offences involving violence.

But Miss Catherine Rowlands, defending, said Soley, a father of two and stepfather to three others, had changed his outlook on life and wanted to play his part in the family.

Recorder Graham Cliff said Soley had an unenviable record but he had served the equivalent of a nine month sentence whilst being in custody on remand.

He proposed taking a chance and releasing Soley on a two year community rehabilitation order with the condition he attend a motoring offenders group.

He also made a 12-month drug treatment and training order and urged Soley to take a test so that he could drive legally.