A DANGEROUS driver stole his mother’s car and led police on a high-speed chase - going the wrong way down an A27 slip road.

Andrew Smith, 22, only had a provisional licence but reached “excessive” speeds in built up areas in Brighton.

He was seen both overtaking and undertaking other vehicles as he zoomed at 70mph through 30mph zones.

Police were forced to ram his vehicle to stop him as he went the wrong way down a slip road onto the A27.

Lewes Crown Court heard how he showed “deliberate disregard for safety” during the pursuit. He was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence.

Sophie Evans, prosecuting, said the incident unfolded on September 5 last year.

Smith took his mother’s car when she went to London.

The court heard how he then failed to stop when flagged down by the police.

His Honour Judge Martin Huseyin said: “The driving was so bad he got pretty close to killing himself and the passenger.”

He said Smith’s driving down the slip road the wrong way was “extremely dangerous” as cars could be at speeds near 70mph at the start as motorists left the dual carriageway.

“He probably did not know he was going the wrong way,” the judge said. “He was liable to hit someone head on, there was a mortal risk.”

Jennifer Gray, defending, said Smith has no previous convictions, and was having a “torrid” time with his mental health when he committed the offence.

Sussex Polices Roads Policing Unit was called in. Stock image

Sussex Police's Roads Policing Unit was called in. Stock image

She said Smith was brought up by his grandparents, and also had a close relationship with his aunt who had just died. He was at a memorial service for her earlier that day.

Smith’s mother said she has struggled as he has attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

It means Smith is prone to making bad decisions and refusing to accept help, she said.

Ms Gray said his time in court has been a “wake up call” for him to get help for his mental health.

The judge told Smith, of Churchill Road, Smallfield, Surrey: “You came within yards of killing or seriously injuring yourself and other people, and you have come within inches of going to prison.”

He said Smith has had a “difficult” life but said there is a prospect of him getting rehabilitation to stop him committing any future crimes.

Smith was told to complete 20 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, and was put under curfew from 8pm to 7am for three months.

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