A banned driver who "panicked" and drove off when told to stop by police has been spared jail.

Robin George, of Green Meadows in New Broughton, Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday for sentence.

The 41-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to offences of driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop for a police officer - all of which happened at Summerhill Road in Wrexham.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that the defendant had previously been made the subject of a driving ban and was required to undertake an extended retest before he could legally get back behind the wheel.

But on February 18, at around 4pm, officers on duty were driving behind a BMW motor vehicle which they noticed was in a state of "disrepair" and was "noisy."

Checks confirmed it was from outside of the Wrexham area - at which point officers indicated to the driver, George, to stop.

But instead, he increased his speed and drove off, only coming to a stop when prevented from going further by other road users.

When officers finally spoke with him, he confirmed he was still banned, and admitted he'd bought the vehicle three days prior from another area.

Mr Espie said George had previously driven whilst disqualified, describing his behaviour as "a flagrant disregard for court orders."

In mitigation, the court heard George was "under no illusion as to the seriousness" of his situation and that while he was a "prolific driving offender," he had purchased the car with a view to legitimately taking lessons and then his retest.

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The court heard he'd "panicked" when the police instructed him to stop, and that he'd only driven a "short distance" thereafter.

The court was asked to take into account his early guilty plea, as well as the fact he runs a roofing company with three people working for him.

It was said on his behalf that George represented "a real prospect of rehabilitation."

District Judge Ibram Hussain handed down a nine week custodial sentence, but suspended it for 18 months.

George must undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and a programme requirement of 19 sessions.

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A driving ban 16 months was imposed, and the defendant must pay a £154 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.

The Judge added: "The police have the car, which you paid £750 for.

"It is a cheap car and in a bad state of repair.

"I am satisfied that the requirements to make a deprivation order are made out.

"The vehicle is to be forfeited and disposed of - you won't get that back."