A DRIVER whose car crashed into a lamppost as he tried to escape Rubery police has had his prison term reduced.

Joshua Ward, aged 21, of Miranda Close, Frankley, was sentenced to 14 weeks custody when he appeared before Deputy Judge Cadbury at Redditch Magistrates Court on October 11.

The 21-year-old had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without a license and insurance. He was said to be hard-working and to have a partner and four-year-old boy.

His driving caught the attention of police on September 13, in Hollyhall Road, Rubery. He ignored the siren and blue lights and drove at 60 to 70mph through a built-up area, said prosecutor Siobhan Collins. No-one was hurt in the crash.

An appeal was heard at Worcester Crown Court.

His defence counsel, Charles Hamer, pointed out that it was Ward's first offence and there had been no report from the probation service before sentence was announced.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC said it was a moderate range of dangerous driving. Ward was due for release on December 30, but he ordered 21 days to be cut from the sentence. Ward is still disqualified for 12 months and must take a re-test before he can drive again.