A DRIVER led police on a car chase when he “panicked” and realised they wanted to pull him over.

Zac Manning, 23, of Hillview Close, Rowhedge, was driving down Barrack Street, in Colchester, when officers signalled for him to stop.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday the father-of-one thought they were signalling to someone else.

He said he thought he was helping by getting out of the way and went through a red light.

But when police chased after him he realised his mistake and instead sped off.

Manning, who was not represented, said: “I accept full responsibility for my actions.

“I saw the flashing lights but didn’t think they were trying to pull me over.

“I was on my way home from work and thought it was a safe action to get out of the way of the police car.”

The court heard Manning had to swerve round a vehicle moving in front of him and sped into Cannon Street without indicating.

His Peugeot 106 then turned onto a narrow residential street.

Officers decided to give up the chase for safety reasons.

Manning said: “I fully accept my actions were irresponsible and dangerous.

“At the time I had never been pulled over by the police before.

“I realised I had driven through a red light and panicked.

“There was no reason for me not to stop.”

It was not said in court why police wanted to speak to Manning in the first place, before the chase.

Magistrates fined Manning £300, ordered him to pay £90 costs and a £30 surcharge.

They also added seven points to his licence.