AN YSTRADGYNLAIS man who drove “like a lunatic” to avoid being stopped by police has been told he was lucky to escape an immediate jail sentence.

Lyndon Stephen Morgan, aged 21, of Min yr Afon, admitted dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop for a police officer and driving without insurance.

Sara Lewis, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court how Emma Jenkins, the mother of Morgan’s partner, had gone to Tenby on holiday leaving her Ford Focus at home and the keys in the kitchen.

On October 16 Morgan took the car but a police officer who ran a check on it discovered it was insured to be driven only by Emma Jenkins even though there was a young male behind the wheel.

Morgan sped off but came up behind a lorry and the officer drew alongside and signalled him to stop.

But Morgan reversed at speed.

The officer followed and saw Morgan speed by Ystalyfera comprehensive school travelling at 60mph in a 20mph area, then overtake a car at a pelican crossing and to reach 85mph in a 30mph area.

The officer became so concerned that following Morgan might lead to an accident he called off the chase.

The car was found the following day in Upper Cwmtwrch.

After his arrest Morgan admitted he had been aware of the officer trying to stop him but he panicked and what happened then was now “just a blur.”

Judge Peter Heywood said, “It does not get more serious than this.”

The consequences, he added, could have been tragic and Morgan had “come within a whisker” of going straight to jail.

Morgan was jailed for six months, suspended for 18 months, and banned from driving for 15 months.

Morgan, who is unemployed, must also pass an extended driving before getting back on the road and to pay a court charge of £900 plus a government surcharge.