A Southampton man who led police on a high-speed chase yesterday was ordered to do 80 hours of community service.

Joshua Boorman, 25, pleaded guilty this morning to charges of driving without a valid licence, speeding, failing to stop for police and driving in a dangerous manner.

The court heard that officers were conducting a speed check on South Road in Southampton when they recorded a blue station wagon, driven by Boorman, travelling at 71km/h. An officer stepped into the road and signalled Boorman to stop, but he instead swerved around the officer and continued without slowing.

Boorman then led officers on a prolonged chase, during which time he frequently travelled in the wrong lane and on one occasion forced pedestrians attempting to use a crosswalk to take evasive action.

The chase ended on Middle Road when Boorman was caught in heavy traffic near Warwick Academy. He got out of the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot, but was quickly apprehended.

He then told police: “I’m sorry. I don’t have a driver’s licence.”

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo disqualified Boorman from driving all vehicles for 18 months and further sentenced him to a total of 80 hours of community service for the offences.

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