An 18-year-old who had never taken a driving lesson led police on a chase around Kemsley.

Jack Murphy appeared before Maidstone Magistrates charged with dangerous driving, having no insurance and getting behind the wheel otherwise in accordance with a licence.

The Raite Green, Sittingbourne resident, who appeared sheepish in the dock, pleaded guilty to all charges.

Mark Kateley, prosecuting, described how a police car had been on duty in Sittingbourne when the officer’s attention was drawn to a vehicle with a smashed back window with plastic flapping from it.

When the marked police car began to follow the Mazda 323, with several people inside, the driver accelerated away.

The Mazda was travelling on the wrong side of the road on Attlee Way when the police officer activated their car’s lights, signalling for the driver to stop.

But the car continued to move at speed and was gauged to be exceeding the 30mph limit, the prosecutor told the court.

He also drove over several roundabouts, causing other motorists to make emergency stops.

Magistrates heard how the pursuit ended in a cul-de-sac close to Attlee Way, where the car stopped and the occupants made off.

Murphy attempted to climb over the police car to get away but was apprehended and taken to Medway Police Station.

Mr Kateley detailed how it was here Murphy admitted he had never taken a driving lesson and had bought the car to learn in.

Speaking for the defence, Rob Weston, explained the teenager has no other convictions or cautions, and panicked when he saw the police car.

“Common sense left him, and he did not return to his senses until he was apprehended by the police,” he said.

Dennis Fuller, chairman of the bench, said: “This is quite a tale and although we are dealing with dangerous driving this was prolonged.

"It shows disregard for the safety of others as you were carrying passengers, and you failed to stop for police.”

The case was sent to crown court for sentencing, at a date yet to be set.