AN UNINSURED driver, who hid in the woods after being spotted driving at more than double the speed limit, revealed a knuckleduster to the police officer who found him, a court heard.

Keelan Reader, 22, of Borfa Place, Cefn Fforest, was sentenced to eight months in prison via video link at Newport Crown Court on Thursday.

He previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

The court heard that Reader was first spotted by a police officer, who checked to see if the car was registered for insurance.

“He was driving Ford Fiesta,” said prosecutor Stephen Donoghue.“It became apparent that he did not have insurance.

“The officer wanted him to stop so he illuminated his blue lights and put his sirens on.”

Mr Donoghue added that the defendant reacted by speeding up and drove in the direction of Blackwood, through residential areas.

“He reached speeds of 70mph in a 30mph residential zone,” he said.“He finally abandoned the vehicle and ran away. He was found in some woodland.”

At this point, Reader revealed to the police officer an item which was concealed in his pocket.

“He admitted voluntarily that he had a knuckleduster in his pocket,” said Mr Donoghue.

“He said it was for ornamental purposes.”

Defending, Claire Pickthall told the court that Reader was open and honest after he was caught by the police.

“It was a bad piece of driving but it was relatively short,” she said.

“There were no other vehicles involved and he had candour when he was stopped.”

Miss Pickthall added that Reader had, prior to the driving offence on July 4, not committed any offences for two years.

Concluding, Judge Peter Heywood told Reader he was fortunate that his actions did not cause a serious incident.

“Instead of stopping, you panicked and drove on,” he said.

“It is just as well that no-one was injured or nothing was damaged.”

The judge then turned his attention to the knuckleduster.

“Why you should need that at 1.45am I cannot understand,” he said.

Reader was sentenced to eight months for the dangerous driving and four months concurrently for the possession of the knuckleduster, with no separate penalty for the other offences.

Mr Heywood also issued Reader with a one year and three month driving ban which will become active after his release from prison, halfway through his term.