A teenager who sped through heavily built up areas and jumped red lights while trying to escape police has admitted dangerous driving.

Charlie Willet, of Abbots Road, Faversham, pleaded guilty to the charge, as well as aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and failing to provide a specimen.

The 19-year-old was arrested on Tuesday evening after crashing a stolen vehicle into a lamppost in Stone Street.

Medway Magistrates Court heard today how a pursuit ensued when Willet failed to stop when asked by police, during which he drove through red lights and over a zebra crossing while pedestrians were crossing.

Driving a Volkswagen Polo, he was said to have exceed 80mph at some points and driven the wrong way down a one-way street.

The teen attempted to flee after the stolen vehicle hit the lamppost, wall and another vehicle in Stone Street, but was caught by officers in Middle Row after a short chase on foot.

Willet, who also pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of vodka, worth £30 in total, from Morrisons in Faversham on Friday, December 7, was remanded in custody.

The case was sent to crown court, where he will be sentenced at a date yet to be determined.