A driver who hurtled dangerously through the streets of Sittingbourne proved to be no match for a police dog called Jenson when he later fled on foot.

Jack Murphy was cornered by the canine law enforcer and bitten on the arm and leg when he continued to struggle.

The 18-year-old tearaway had not been given any driving lessons before speeding in his Mazda car – bought for £40 – through residential streets on February 7.

Police gave chase as he drove on the wrong side of the road and over mini-roundabouts without stopping. He almost hit a pedestrian, while other motorists were forced to take evasive action.

Murphy finally stopped in Diligent Drive, clambered over a patrol car and ran off.

But like the ace Formula One driver Jenson Button, his namesake proved to be too speedy for the teenager, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Murphy, of Raite Green, Sittingbourne, admitted dangerous driving and having no licence and insurance.

He also admitted having a blade at Rochester train station when searched for drugs a month later.

Judge Philip Statman said Murphy, who plans to study motor mechanics, had come “within a hair’s breadth” of being sent into custody.

He was sentenced to a community order with 180 hours unpaid work and a four-month tagged curfew between 8pm and 7am.

He was also banned from driving for a year.

Warning him to stop smoking cannabis, the judge told him: “You have been to college, come from an excellent family and have no previous convictions.

“But at the end of the day you must understand you are within a hair’s breadth of going to a young offenders’ institution.

“The last thing any judge wants to do is ruin a young person’s life.

“We are all entitled, I suppose, to one opportunity, but there will never be another one like I’m going to give you today.”

Despite the curfew, Judge Statman said Murphy could go on a two-week family holiday at the end of July.