A motorist who led police on a high speed chase then tried to blame his brother when he was caught drug driving months later has avoided jail.
A judge told 33-year-old Daniel Edwards that he had taken an 'exceptional course' in sparing him from prison.
Edwards was seen driving a VW Polo 'at speed' in Wythenshawe, reaching 85mph in a 30mph zone and going over speed bumps.
When he approached traffic lights, where there were stationary cars and a tram approaching, Edwards mounted the footpath, Manchester Crown Court heard.
Judge Timothy Smith said any pedestrian 'would not have stood a chance', describing it as a 'reckless piece of driving in the extreme'.
Shortly after, Edwards 'careered' out of control and hit a fence.
He made off but was arrested, following the incident at about 11pm on November 20, 2019.
The court was told his 'excuse' for his driving was that he didn't have a licence.
Edwards was released but was seen driving 'erratically' in Chorlton in February last year, and later found to be driving while over the drug limit.
He was stopped by police but gave false information, providing officers with his brother's details.
"It was only when he complained, understandably, that matters came to light," the judge said.
The court was told Edwards' brother received a summons.
The hearing heard that Edwards had previously received a six year prison sentence for possession of an imitation firearm, and was released sometime between 2011 and 2012.
Judge Smith said it was to Edwards' credit that he had not committed any further offences since then.
Defending, Tom McKail said that there was a good prospect of rehabilitation, as Edwards is employed working for a catering firm and has a relationship and a young child.
Sentencing, the judge told Edwards: "I have only just concluded that the sentence I can impose can be suspended.
"I make it clear that is an exceptional course, in exceptional circumstances.
"This is a chance that I am giving you, and only giving to you given the current circumstances we are in."
Edwards, of Tiverton Close, Wilmslow, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was banned from driving for two-and-a-half years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, driving while over the drug limit, and driving without a licence or insurance.
