A judge said it was a "miracle" no one was killed when a man fleeing from police drove at speeds up to 70 mph through residential streets.

Lewes Crown Court heard Andrew James Funnell was driving so fast, police considered abandoning the chase to avoid endangering the public.

The court was told the pursuit took place in Whitehawk, Kemp Town, Hanover and Hollingdean.

Funnell, 20, drove the wrong side of traffic islands, went the wrong way round a roundabout, struck a Transit van and narrowly avoided a head-on collision with another car.

Yesterday he was jailed for nine months for dangerous driving, of which half will be suspended, and banned for two years.

Eloise Marshall, prosecuting, said twice during the pursuit, pedestrians had to dive out of the way of Funnell's vehicle.

The chase came to an abrupt end when Funnell crashed into a road sign attempting to turn into Varndean Road, Withdean.

Funnell, of Rookery Close, Brighton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

Ahmed Hossein, defending, said: "He has expressed shock and remorse as well as relief that no one was injured."

In sentencing, Judge Guy Anthony said: "It is a miracle that nobody was injured or even killed."