A LEARNER driver who panicked and drove off when he spotted a police car behind him took a corner on three wheels before crashing into a parked BMW.

Worcester magistrates were told that Russell Hadley had gone out to buy fish and chips in his Volkswagen Golf when he saw a police car behind him in the Brickfields area of the city on Saturday, June 10.

Susan Cliffe, prosecuting yesterday, said when Hadley got to the roundabout in Astwood Road he accelerated away.

"The Golf car pulled away from the officer," she said. "He turned right into Bilford Road, but was supposed to give way. He swerved across the road without signalling and turned so hard that one of his wheels left the ground.

"His tyres lost traction and there was smoke from them.

"He then turned into Farm Close on three tyres. The officer lost sight of him for a while but the car came to an abrupt halt."

The 20-year-old crashed into a parked BMW, causing it to move 10ft down the road.

Hadley, of Vine Street, off Ombersley Road, Worcester, admitted dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with his licence, without insurance and without an MOT.

Iain Willis, defending, said Hadley had sold the car at one point but later agreed to have it back.

"He's a provisional licence holder," he said. "He'd been very careful but decided to take it out on this night to buy fish and chips.

"During the course of the journey he noticed the police car behind him and panicked.

"He did take bends in a dangerous manner. There was a potential danger to the public and he realised how foolish he was.

"Unfortunately, his job as a mechanic could now be in jeopardy."

The case was adjourned until Thursday, September 28, for pre-sentence reports. An interim driving ban was ordered.