A disqualified driver who failed to stop after crashing into another motorist while trying to flee from police has escaped being sent to jail.

Shay Smith, 21, was at the wheel of a VW Golf being pursued on October 26 last year when it hit a van at the junction of Aylsham Road and Half Mile Road in Norwich.  

Despite the accident he drove off at speed but was later traced when the owner of the car told officers it had been taken by him without permission, Norwich Magistrates Court heard.

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Smith, who lived at Paradise Place in Norwich, but who has since moved to Spalding, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

He also admitted a separate charge of abusing a security guard at the John Lewis store in Norwich on December 2.

Despite the offences carrying a maximum sentence of six months, magistrates imposed an 18 month community order and told him to pay fines and costs totalling £647. 

He was also given a further 12 month driving ban.