Police who chased a stolen car after spotting it at a Chelmsford garage eventually used a 'stinger' to puncture the car's tyres and stop it.

The driver of the car, Brett Degaris, 18, of Manor Park, London, received 13 months youth detention at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday. He admitted aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

Judge Ben Pearson told Degaris: "This was a bad case of driving. You travelled at speeds of up to 90mph. It is only by the grace of God that no-one was killed or injured by your actions.

"The courts have a duty to protect the public from dangerous young drivers like you."

Degaris was banned from driving for three years and ordered to taken an extended driving test.

Stephanie Farrimond, prosecuting, said the car was stolen in east London during September and seen by police at the Texaco garage in Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford on October 19.

When police tried to stop the car it drove through red lights in Victoria Road and Park Way and at speeds of up to 90mph along the A12. A stinger was put across the road at the junction of the M25.

Karen Farrelly, mitigating, said Degaris was remorseful and regretted his behaviour.

Published Monday, April 8, 2002