A NORTHWICH biker who led police on a dangerous high-speed chase has avoided jail.

Philip Hunter, of Beswick Road, along with a second rider, were signalled to stop by Cheshire Police motorcycle unit near junction 12 of the M56, near Hapsford, at 4.30pm on Wednesday, July 17.

Both riders failed to stop and drove off onto the A56, travelling towards Frodsham.

Officers lost sight of one of the bikes, but continued to follow the second, ridden by Hunter, 25, as he led police on a pursuit towards Weaverham.

Police bikers were joined by officers from the roads and crime unit and the area helicopter, who helped support the chase.

Once in Weaverham, Hunter abandoned his bike and tried to make off on foot, but was quickly found by the police helicopter, and arrested by officers following.

Hunter appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 12, where he was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving.

He was also banned for 12 months and ordered to take an extended retest.

After the sentencing, chief inspector John Forshaw of the roads and crime unit, said: “Hunter is clearly a dangerous individual who put the lives of officers and innocent members of the public at risk for no apparent reason whatsoever.

“His reckless behaviour led officers on a pursuit across rural Cheshire, throughout which he showed no regard for those around them.

“However, despite his repeated attempts to evade officers, there really was nowhere to hide and he has now been held accountable for his actions.

“As this case demonstrates, no matter what you’re driving or riding, we will use all the tactics available to us to ensure those who break the law in Cheshire are brought to justice.”