An experienced police driver gave up the chase of an Audi because of safety fears as it sped along the main road through Colwyn Bay, a court heard on Friday.

Ben Hill-Roberts, aged 21, of Glan Conwy but said to be living rough in Snowdonia, was told by Judge Huw Rees at Caernarfon crown court: "You have been very lucky. You could have gone into custody.”

The defendant admitted dangerous driving, driving when banned and being uninsured. A nine months suspended jail term was imposed with a 15 months ban and extended test ordered.

Hill-Roberts must undertake a rehabilitation activity and do 150 hours unpaid work.

Prosecutor Ffion Tomos said that at 11.30am on March 21 he’d been seen on the A55 Expressway at Old Colwyn and failed to stop for police.

The Audi A3 left the A55 and headed towards the Marine roundabout and on to Abergele Road, passing the police HQ, overtaking vehicles and reaching 52mph in a 30 limit during a mile-long pursuit.

Sarah Yates, defending, said Hill-Roberts wasn’t employed but had been an army reservist briefly. He had been taking a friend to collect her children and was “misguided.”

The lawyer said Hill-Roberts had his own health difficulties.

Judge Rees said it was “appalling” driving and told the defendant: "It’s about time you grew up.”

The offences occurred within two days of a driving ban expiring.