A speeding motorist abandoned his car during a police chase and tried to hide in a wheelie bin.

Thomas Parker, 23, of Ditchling Road, Brighton, was caught when officers spotted his trainers sticking out of the bin, a court heard.

Police gave chase when Parker sped off after officers tried to pull him over on suspicion of speeding.

Parker thought he was over the drink-drive limit so tried to escape.

He had left a darts match at Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre and gone to a friend's house in Woodingdean to play computer games before heading home at about 2.30am on January 22 this year.

Suzanne Sorros, prosecuting, said: "The police officers were concerned at his speed so they put on their blue lights.

"They were driving on a residential road at 50mph and the defendant was getting away."

Parker jumped a red light on Lewes Road, Brighton, before driving the wrong way round the Vogue Gyratory roundabout into oncoming traffic, Brighton magistrates heard.

The officers chased him across the BP garage forecourt on the gyratory and into Gladstone Place.

However, the police lost sight of him after he leapt from his Ford Fiesta and switched off his lights. They searched the area after finding his car.

Ms Sorros said: "Officers then looked into the flip-top bin and saw trainers and a jacket under some cardboard.

"They pulled it away and saw the defendant and asked him to step out of the bin."

Parker was arrested and admitted dangerous driving.

Ms Sorros said he was driving at speed into oncoming traffic and a taxi had to stop suddenly to avoid a collision.

Brian Noel, defending, said Parker had had two pints at the darts match earlier that evening and was worried about losing his licence for being over the limit.

He said: "This was a silly and stupid action that resulted from panic. He responded in a stupid way to seeing the police vehicle behind him."

Parker was breathalysed at the scene but was below the legal alcohol limit.

Magistrate Sue Lewis said: "This was foolish, impulsive and reckless behaviour. You put others at serious risk and took steps to avoid apprehension."

Parker received 100 hours community punishment and was placed under a night-time curfew for six months and ordered to pay £45 court costs.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months pending an extensive retest.