A DANGEROUS driver who led police on a frantic pursuit through a housing estate “panicked” when he saw officers because his friend had drugs on him, a court has heard.

Harrison Black, 26, was driving an Audi A4 in May when the passenger in the car saw police on the A131 near Great Leighs, Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.

The passenger, who it was alleged had cannabis on him at the time, said: “It’s the police – drive, drive.”

Black then sped off and hit speeds of 80mph in a 40mph zone before pulling into Cuckoo Way in Great Notley as he desperately tried to lose the police car, which pursued him under blue lights.

Pursuit – police chase Harrison Black at speeds of 80mph Pursuit – police chase Harrison Black at speeds of 80mph (Image: Northumbria Police) Erin Peck, prosecuting, said when Black stopped the car, “the doors swung open and the two occupants tried to make off from the police on foot”.

Black was caught and was heard by police to say, “I was just the driver”, when he was arrested.

The passenger said to have had the cannabis on him wasn’t caught, and Black later admitted one charge of dangerous driving and one charge of failing to stop when required by police.

Raphael Piggott, mitigating, said Black had behaved “foolishly” but added the passenger was “fortunate to escape justice”.

He said: “It was bad judgement followed by more bad judgement.

“Most of it takes place on the main road between Braintree and Chelmsford, though it’s not clear how long the incident lasted from the officer’s statement.

“When he stops the car, he foolishly runs off.

“The other person who originally told him to drive off when police activated blue lights makes off and is never apprehended.

“He has been fortunate to escape justice whilst Mr Black is in court today.”

He continued: “We don’t know how long it went on for – clearly there was some unacceptable driving.

Chase – police pursued Harrison Black through a large housing estate in Great NotleyChase – police pursued Harrison Black through a large housing estate in Great Notley (Image: Google Street View) “I am sure this is something he is going to regret for a long time.”

Bench chair Neal Munson said it was “pure luck” nobody was killed or injured during the pursuit.

Black, of Priory Lane, Great Notley, was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £199 in costs.