A dangerous learner driver who used empty roads during lockdown like a racetrack has been spared prison.
Steven Findley was spotted by police along with another car and there was "an element of them racing each other", a court heard.
When he spotted police behind him, he sped off, going through red lights and reaching around 80mph in a 30 mph zone in Gateshead.
Findley, who only had a provisional licence, admitted, through his barrister, it was "stupidity".
Judge Stephen Earl, at Newcastle Crown Court, said: "The idea of lockdown is not so young men can go out and have their sport, racing cars up and down the road.
"Sadly, we've seen a number of these sort of offences, where people seem to take the opportunity while the roads are clear, it seems to be viewed as some sort of racetrack rather than a normal road.
"It is not. It's still a residential, built-up area."
Kevin Wardlaw, prosecuting, said Findley, 26, of Rokeby View, Harlow Green, Gateshead, was seen by police in Wrekenton, Gateshead, on April 2.
Mr Wardlaw said: "The defendant was seen driving with another car and the officer said there was an element of them racing each other.
"Initially the defendant did not notice the police vehicle but became aware when stopped at red traffic lights.
"On seeing the police he continued to drive at speed, going through red lights. The pursuit continued for 1.6 miles."
Findley admitted dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and having no insurance.
He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, with a two-year driving ban.
Geoff Knowles, mitigating, acknowledged Findley's behaviour was "stupidity".
He added: "He should not have been driving and as soon as he saw the police car pull up behind him, he knew the game was up.
"His reaction to effectively being caught red-handed was to try to get away."
