The actions of two men who were involved in a late-night chase on roads in west Suffolk have been described as “stupid” by a judge.

Sean Graham got into his car after seeing Jack Taylor, who was related to his ex-partner, outside his house and started following him, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Sentencing the men Judge Emma Peters described the chase, which arose out of “family issues”,  as “extraordinary” and said the men had driven at speed, jumped red lights and placed other road users and themselves at risk.

“It is difficult to choose which of you was the more stupid,” said the judge.

Graham, 42, of Rawlings Way, Feltwell, admitted dangerous driving and was given a 12 month community order, a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £300 costs. 

His licence was also endorsed with nine penalty points.

Taylor, 23, of Oat Street, Feltwell, admitted careless driving and was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £150 costs.

His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

The court heard that the pursuit took place in May 2019 and was on a number of roads in the Brandon and Lakenheath areas.

Matthew McNiff for Graham said the incident the court had heard about took place in 2019 and there had been a substantial delay in the case coming before the court.

He said Graham had called the police during the pursuit and had given his name.

Mr McNiff said Graham had initially thought he was following a potential burglar and accepted his daring was dangerous.

Steven Dyble for Taylor, who has no previous convictions, said his client had gone to Graham’s house to see if his car matched a vehicle that had been following his sister.

After seeing Taylor near his house Graham got into his car and set off after him and Taylor had driven in the way he did because he was scared and had been in “full retreat”.