A motorist who drove dangerously in Norwich was told by a judge it was fortunate no one was seriously injured by his driving.

Connor Quarmby, 21, refused to stop for police in the early hours and instead drove away at speed along Hall Road driving at 65mph in a 40mph zone, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said Quarmby had come to the attention of police after a concerned member of the public had tipped them off about the manner of his driving.

He said Quarmby drove dangerously for about half a mile, refusing to pull over for police but came to a stop after driving along a narrow service road before crashing into two parked motorcycles and a car, causing damage to the vehicle.

Quarmby fled the scene but Mr Ivory said he was caught by officers nearby and at first denied he had been behind the wheel but later changed his plea to guilty.

Quarmby, of Coke Road, Norwich, admitted dangerous driving.

Judge Stephen Holt imposed an eight month sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered him to do 200 hours unpaid work.

He also imposed a 12 month driving ban and ordered him to take an extended test before getting back behind the wheel.

He told Quarmby that he had come very close to being sent straight to prison.

Judge Holt said it was fortunate no one was injured or even killed by his driving and said: 'This could so easily have been death by dangerous driving.'

However he gave him credit for his guilty plea and said the dangerous driving had been over a relatively short distance.

Peter Spary, for Quarmby, said that Quarmby had an argument with his then partner and had got in the vehicle.

He said that Quarmby admitted he had been a 'bit stupid' and said: 'That is an understatement. It was in the heat of the moment.'

He said Quarmby had only driven dangerously over a short distance.

He added: ''He is only 21. He accepts his behaviour was foolhardy.'

He said Quarmby was due to start a new job as a roofer.