A MAN who led police on a high-speed 26-mile chase, reaching speeds of up to 90mph through one Dorset village, has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Keirren Genge, 18, of Pinehurst Road, West Moors, refused to stop for police after they became concerned about his driving in the early hours of November 1 2010, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.

Genge was pursued from the Wimborne Service Station on the A31, driving at up to 90mph through Spetisbury.

In Charlton Marshall, Genge took a series of bends at high speed, and continued on to Blandford where he took the Tesco mini roundabout at 80mph, said prosecutor Jason Spelman.

Genge and a passenger in the car were finally arrested after he lost control and came to a stop.

Genge told police: “Sorry about that. I thought it would be all right. I do banger racing so I thought I could handle a car. At least I slowed down for the speed cameras.”

Genge pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, having no insurance and driving without a licence.

He was handed an eight-month sentence suspended for two years, fines totalling £1,250 and ordered to pay £250 prosecution costs.