A TEENAGE driver who turned his lights off and reached almost 110mph during a night-time police chase has been spared immediate prison.

Ethan Johnstone, 18, sped away from officers in the centre of Carlisle on the night of August 2 and travelled at 80mph along residential roads.

As the pursuit continued in the countryside, the speed of Johnstone’s Fiat Brava increased to 109mph as he headed towards Penrith.

The car was even seen by police to go airborne on the brow of a hill before it crashed close to Calthwaite.

Later the teenager told officers he had “panicked”, not being sure if his vehicle was properly insured and registered.

Johnstone pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving and was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.

Judge Peter Davies imposed a 12-month custodial sentence which was suspended for two years.

Johnstone, of Creighton Avenue, Carlisle, must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and was given a three-year driving ban.

He was told by Judge Davies: “I think you are a fool. This was a dreadful piece of driving.”

Johnstone’s parents were both in court for the sentencing.

And Judge Davies told the teenager: “If you have a look at these good people, they have spent 18 years looking after you.

“They are here for you. They deserve your gratitude and respect. You are not going to custody. I am saying that to relieve them, not you.”

Of Johnstone’s crime, the judge added: “This was outrageous driving to protect your own skin, putting police officers and road users at risk.”

“You could have killed somebody.”