A CWMBRAN man who hid in his friend’s wardrobe after swearing at police officers and leading them on a car chase through Pontypool, was jailed for 10 months at Newport Crown Court.

James Young, of Tydies, Coed Eva, Cwmbran had previously pleaded guilty to the charges of dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, without a licence, failing to stop for a police officer and a breach of a restraining order.

Young appeared via video link from HMP Parc, where the 21-year-old is currently serving a 26-week sentence for threats to kill.

Prosecutor Paul Hewitt said the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday January 9, when Young was recognised by police as he drove a Ford Fiesta in Cwm Fields.

At around 1am, he said, officers attempted to pull up alongside the vehicle, which had its headlights switched off before following the car along Victoria Road and Blaendare Road.

At this point, Young made a hand gesture to the officers, and sped away in excess of the 30mph limit, running through two red lights causing one car to have to take evasive action.

The police lost contact with the car during the chase but then saw it parked outside a house on Dingle Road.

Young was found in a friend's house on that road, hiding in a wardrobe.

The court heard that Young said he had been with friends all night, giving no further comment to the police when interviewed.

Claire Pickthall, defending Young, said: “He panicked on seeing the police officers as he realised that he was driving without insurance or a licence.

“He has been foolish and deeply regrets his actions.”

The court heard Young has 22 previous convictions, none relating to driving offences.

Summing up, recorder David Miller said: “I don’t believe you panicked because someone who panics doesn’t stick their fingers up at the police – I think you were enjoying yourself."

He sentenced him to 10 months for dangerous driving, with a two month concurrent sentence for breaching a restraining order after he drove down Blaendare Road during the chase.

The recorder also disqualified Young from driving for two years, requiring to take an extended test once that time period had elapsed.

He told Young that he was ‘not mature enough’ to be responsible for a car, and made reference to his extensive list of convictions at just 21.

“At the age of 21, your list of previous convictions is quite appalling - it’s no way for you to continue,” he said.

No separate penalties were given for driving without a licence, driving without insurance and failure to stop for a police officer.