A DANGEROUS driver is awaiting sentence today after leading police on a pursuit through Chantry at speeds said to have been in excess of 70mph.

At one point during the chase a passenger in Jim Sullivan Lee’s car was reported to have nearly been thrown from the vehicle.

Lee, of West Meadows, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, using a vehicle without insurance and resisting a police officer when he appeared before Ipswich Crown Court.

The pursuit began around 8.30pm on January 30 when an officer tried to stop Lee’s navy blue Peugeot, which went through a red light at the junction of Ranelagh Road and London Road.

The 33-year-old’s W-registration car failed to stop despite being followed by a police car.

The original reports stated that during the ensuing chase Lee’s vehicle was travelling at speeds that at times got up to beyond 70mph.

It was also reported to have overtaken other vehicles during the night-time pursuit.

Lee drove the Peugeot along Hadleigh Road, Ranelagh Road, Ancaster Road and Gippeswyk Road.

The chase carried on thorough Birkfield Drive, Cambridge Drive, Carolbrook Road, Ritabrook Road, Sheldrake Drive, Edgeworth Road and Orwell Heights.

During the incident police said a passenger was almost thrown from the car as they attempted to get out while Lee was trying to make his getaway.

The chase ended at around 8.50pm when the Peugeot stopped.

It is understood that in an attempt to avoid being caught Lee got out of the vehicle and tried to run off.

After admitting the three offences at his plea and case management hearing Lee was remanded in custody.

He is due to be sentenced sometime during the week commencing May 7.