A learner driver who sped through villages on the A47 at speeds in excess of 100 mph escaped jail yesterday.

A learner driver who sped through villages on the A47 at speeds in excess of 100mph was spared jail yesterday.

Norwich Crown Court heard that Christopher Rowland, of Kestrel Close, Swaffham, drove at speeds up to 110mph between Wendling and Sporle at about 11pm on March 3.

Rowland, 27, who holds only a provisional driving licence and should not drive alone, narrowly avoided hitting a police car as he drove at speeds up to 110mph outside Necton.

In a bid to evade police, he turned off his headlights but hit a grass verge near Sporle. He left the car and ran to a nearby house where police officers found him lying on a mound of earth.

When he saw police he jumped into a pond, swam across to the other side and hid in bushes.

Ian James, mitigating, said: "He has no points on his licence and he realises it is a serious offence."

Sentencing, recorder Guy Ayers said: "I take into account your guilty plea and that you are the breadwinner for three children."

Rowland was sentenced to 41 weeks in jail suspended for two years, 180 hours of community service and ordered to pay costs of

£1,100.