A TEENAGE driver who led police on a terrifying chase around Hereford streets has been sentenced to 12 months' detention.

Mark Crichton snatched a parked Vauxhall Astra in the early hours but was seen jumping red traffic lights.

He careered past bollards on the wrong side of the road, raced at twice the speed limit, lost control on an icy road and caused a taxi to take evasive action, Worcester Crown Court was told.

During the eight-mile chase, lasting 13 minutes, he also put pedestrians at risk as they emerged from a nightclub in Commercial Road, said Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting.

He eventually skidded to a halt and fled from the scene, but was trapped by officers.

He gave police false details and said he was just driving around before he planned to dump the car.

Crichton, aged 19, of Raleigh Court, Hereford, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving uninsured and without a licence.

Judge Frank Chapman, who also banned him for 12 months, said his driving had put a number of people in danger.

Crichton had previous convictions for taking a car without consent and stealing from parked cars.

On the day of the offences he had been hoping to come across his girlfriend, said Brian Dean, defending.

Although he gave bogus details at first to police, he quickly corrected it. He had also pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Mr Dean said he had not enjoyed being in custody on remand and was determined to make a fresh start when released.