A STUDENT who hit speeds of more than 120mph during a chase along the A12 in the middle of the day has been jailed for six months.

Police tried to pull Hazan Ajimobi over on the Avenue of Remembrance in Colchester shortly after 11am.

But he inexplicably sped off, headed to the A12 and travelled towards London.

The 22-year-old weaved in and out of traffic, undertook and drove at speed on the hard shoulder and the verge.

Police lost sight of him but managed to stop him after a 17 mile chase at Hatfield Peverel.

Ajimobi, of Cann Hall Road, London, admitting a charge of dangerous driving when he appeared at magistrates’ court.

Jerry Hayes, prosecuting at Chelmsford Crown Court, said he had put people’s lives in danger in March.

The court heard Ajimobi had a previous conviction for failing to provide a specimen.

Shade Abiodun, mitigating, said it was difficult to explain why the Essex University student had not simply pulled over.

“He told me he was surprised to find the police wanted to stop him,” she said.

“He was scared and panicked believing there was no reason for it.

“As his age suggests, perhaps he reacted inmaturely.”

Judge Jonathan Seely said he had no hesitation at sending him to jail.

“This was a truly dreadful incident of dangerous driving,” he said.

“It was prolonged, it showed a disregard for the safety of others and there was speeds in excess of 120mph.

“That road at that time of day would have been very busy indeed.

“It was immensely fortunate nobody was killed or seriously injured.

“It could so easily have happened as a result of your driving.

“The people on those roads would have been astonished and they would have been scared.

“It is strange you were unable to provide an adequate explanation for what you were doing.

“You do not come here as a man of good character and are familiar to the courts.

“I have not the slightest hesitation in sending you to custody immediately.”

Ajimobi was also handed a 27 month driving ban and must pass an extended retest before he can get behind the wheel.