A DRIVER sped through Swansea city centre and mounted a pavement in a bid to escape police.

Michael James Stockting, aged 26, of Druslyn Road, West Cross, was spotted at the wheel of a black Citroen by officers in Sketty Lane at about 12.20pm on February 1.

Prosecutor Julie Sullivan told city magistrates the car was seen "wheel spinning" and the engine was "high revving", before accelerating at speed in heavy traffic.

The court heard that parts of the road were icy, and when Stockting came up behind other vehicles waiting at lights, he pulled out into a filter lane. He was then seen to drive onto the wrong side of a traffic island and go through a red light.

Police pursued him and activated their patrol car's siren and lights.

Stockting, who had a passenger, drove at 60mph in a 40mph zone.

He also did two U-turns which caused cars to come to a standstill for safety.

The chase stretched over Mumbles Road, Brynmill Lane and Bryn Road before Stockting mounted a grass verge and pavement and left his vehicle in Malvern Terrace.

"The pavement was clear of pedestrians, thankfully," said Miss Sullivan.

Stockting, who was arrested at the scene, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He told police: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Magistrates heard Stockting's passenger was left "quite shaken up" by the ordeal.

Steve Burnell, defending, said it appeared the incident had lasted five to six minutes and the speed of 60mph was never exceeded.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and Stockting was released on unconditional bail. He will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on March 22.

julia.bosnyak@swwmedia.co.uk