A DRIVER who fled from police when they asked him to stop - reversing down a road at high speed - has managed to keep his licence.

Jack Oliver Michael Reece tried to evade officers as he drove his black Volkswagen Golf 'aggressively' in Chapelhay, and gave them the 'middle finger', a court heard.

Reece, who the court heard has 'anger issues', ended up abandoning the car and running away but was caught in a nearby garden.

The 21-year-old, who admitted failing to stop for police and driving without due care and attention, will keep his licence however after magistrates weighed in favour of an exceptional hardship defence after hearing Reece is running his dad's removal company.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard how Reece, of Corporation Road, drove his car on March 30 last year after getting into an row with his mum.

He 'gestured to police offices with his middle finger' after they asked him to stop, Siobhan Oxley, prosecuting, told magistrates.

She said: "On March 30 he drove a black Golf and was asked to stop by police after driving aggressively in Franchise Street - a built up area.

"He then reversed down St Leonard's Road at high speed before changing direction where he spun and screeched his wheels, causing the car's wheels to lock.

"He left the car and was chased by police on foot where he was arrested in a nearby garden."

Reece also admitted a second offence of driving without due care and attention while driving a Ford Fiesta with a passenger on November 5, 2019. He had been spotted by police driving down a no-entry road near Hope Square.

Regarding the Chapelhay incident, Reece told magistrates he shouted at police to leave him alone as he was scared.

He told magistrates his dad was too ill to work so he was running a removal company on his behalf, so he needed his driving licence.

He said: "I employ two members of staff who can't drive - one of which is part-time. I'm ultimately responsible for the business and people's jobs."

Reece, who lives with his mum, told the court how he also pays towards utility bills.

His dad Christopher told the court: "My son has anger issues and he's had a few blips, but his mum depends on him.

"I do have a licence. My doctor said I can drive but advises against it.

"I would not be able to run the business if he lost his licence."

Chairman of the bench Robert Cowley did not disqualify Reece from driving due to exceptional hardship.

He told him: "I hope you have learnt a lesson."

Reece's licence was endorsed with six penalty points, meaning he now has 15 points on his licence - but due to the exceptional hardship he is still able to drive legally. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay £170 costs and a £64 victim surcharge.