A TEENAGER was pursued by police for about five miles after dangerously riding an off-road motorbike following a close friend's funeral, a court has heard.

Kane Hughes, 18, of Acorn Street, Newton-le-Willows, appeared before a judge at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to dangerously driving a propelled vehicle on Newton Road, Billinge, on January 25.

He also admitted to driving without a licence or insurance.

Paul Blasbery, prosecuting, told the court how Hughes led police on a “pursuit of around ten minutes” – agreed as likely five miles – after being alerted to pull over.

At numerous times, the defendant was “in excess of the speed limit".

During the pursuit, it was explained that Hughes created serious risks to the public, which included dangerous overtaking, driving towards oncoming traffic, driving on a footpath, and contravening a red light.

Hughes, who was aged seventeen at the time of the incident, was driving home from a close friend’s funeral, who had recently taken his own life.

Attendees were asked to travel to the funeral on motorbikes as a tribute.

Mr O’Donoghue, speaking in mitigation Hughes, asked the judge to take this into consideration when handing him his sentence.

Mr Hughes had no prior convictions, and his behaviour was described as “completely out of character”.

The defendant's age, immaturity, and the fact that he was “extremely apologetic” were also asked to be taken as mitigating factors.

Closing his statement, Mr O’Donoghue said: “You are highly unlikely to see Kane at the court door ever again."

Mr Hughes was then handed an 18-month community order, including 140 hours of unpaid work, as well as 10 Rehabilitation Activity Days.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and will have to take an extended test to be allowed back on the roads.

Judge Watson said: “Driving dangerously on public roads creates risk of serious injury and death.

“This is more serious in your case as you led a police pursuit. Not only did you fail to stop, but it became a prolonged pursuit where you took risks you shouldn’t be taking.”

However, despite the “real risk of a prison sentence”, the judge accepted the offence was more a “function of youth and a lack of maturity”.

Explaining his decision, Judge Watson said: "I’m going to give you a chance and give you the opportunity to prove this is something that you can put behind you.”

If found to be in breach of his community order, Mr Hughes will face a prison sentence of up to 12 months.