A DRIVER who led police on a high-speed car chase through the Valleys, clocking up more than 100mph, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment.

Ashley Lewis, 22, of The Countryman Inn, Blackwood, was pursued on the A467 between Newbridge and Abercarn on August 1 by police officers in an unmarked police car after he refused to stop, Cardiff crown court heard.

The court was told that at one point in the chase, police had to drive at more than 100mph and even then it took them a mile to catch up with Lewis’ car.

Lewis appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and failing to stop.

Recorder David Aubrey QC said that during the pursuit, Lewis had overtaken a vehicle and turned left at a roundabout ending up in a 30mph housing area..

He continued to drive in excess of 50mph before driving down a narrow lane, which had bins on both sides, at 42mph.

Lewis then escaped from view of the police officers. When he appeared again, he ended up behind the police which brought his vehicle to a stop in the Coed Celyn area of Abercarn.

Lewis tried to make an escape but gave himself up when he realised police dogs were involved in the case.

The judge said: "The driving is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.

"If you drive in this dangerous way, where there is a risk of serious injury, of grave injury, if not death, you will be going to prison for longer and longer periods of time."

Lewis was sentenced to eight months for dangerous driving. No separate penalty was given for the other offences.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.