Driver caught on Deansgate with stolen taxi plates on his Ford Mondeo - before he led cops on a 20-minute high-speed chase

A driver was caught on Deansgate with stolen taxi plates on his Ford Mondeo - before he led police on a 20-minute high-speed chase.

Anas Abuhdaima, 26, initially stopped for officers in Manchester city centre after they pulled him over.

He then attempted to flee, leading officers on a 20-minute pursuit in his Ford Mondeo, driving through red lights, on the wrong side of the road, and at speeds of up to 80 miles an hour, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Abuhdaima eventually stopped his car in Fallowfield, but ran from the vehicle and into a garden.

The force helicopter had to be used to track him down, before he was arrested.

Abuhdaima, from Moston, avoided jail.

Manchester Crown Court he court heard has 'matured' and was 'remorseful'.

Prosecutor Jon Savage earlier told the court the incident happened just after 1am on December 19, 2018.

"Police officers on patrol in Manchester city centre had cause to stop the defendant's vehicle, a Ford Mondeo, on Deansgate, after receiving reports that it was being driven as a taxi," Mr Savage said.

"There was a passenger in the front of the car.

"The defendant did stop when indicated to do so but when he was required to get out he drove away so the officer followed him."

Abuhdaima drove along Deansgate and onto Chapel Street, where he went through a red light.

He then drove onto Trinity Way on the wrong side of the road, and along Cheetham Hill Road. He reached speeds of around 80 miles an hour - the speed limit was 30.

"The defendant crossed several blind junctions without stopping," Mr Savage added.

"He went through two more sets of red traffic lights and travelled onto the Mancunian Way then exited on Medlock Street which then took him to Princess Street.

"He stopped at a petrol station of Princess Street where the passenger got out.

"The defendant then drove away again and led officers to Fallowfield, where he stopped on Bucklow Avenue and ran into a cul-de-sac.

"The force helicopter was used the defendant was located in a garden but tried to run from police again."

Abuhdaima was eventually stooped arrested.

His car was found to be fitted with a stolen taxi licence plate. The defendant didn't have a driving licence at the time.

"The pursuit lasted for around 20 minutes and covered a considerable distance," Mr Savage added.

"There was little traffic on the road at that time in the morning but this does not mean that the defendant was not putting himself or other road users at risk."

Defence lawyer Harriet Tighe said her client, who has one previous conviction, had matured.

"This offence took place over two years ago when the defendant was in somewhat of a less stable position that he is in now," Ms Tighe said.

"He was sofa surfing at his friend's houses at the time.

"He has matured emotionally and shows genuine remorse.

"The defendant has not committed any further offences and is now living back with his mother and brother."

Ms Tighe urged the judge, Recorder Geoffrey Payne, to suspend any term of custody imposed.

Judge Recorder Payne agreed to suspend Abuhdaima's sentence as he said there was a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation'.

In sentencing, he said: "On December 19, 2018, you were driving a car with stolen taxi plates. You were asked to pull over by police and whilst you did stop initially, you then drove off.

"You then drove in a truly dangerous and terrible fashion, driving through red lights, driving the wrong way up roads and at speeds of 80 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone.

"You hardly need me to tell you that this was incredibly serious."

Abuhdaima, of Anfield Road, Moston, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. He was handed a nine month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He must complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Abuhdaima will also have an electronically-monitored curfew for three months and will be disqualified from driving for 18 months.