A North West Leicestershire man who failed to stop for police – driving through residential areas at dangerous speeds – has been jailed for two years.

Christian Chauraya was brought to the attention of police on December 4 after a member of the public reported seeing him at the wheel of a silver BMW in Coalville.

The manner of his driving led her to believe he may be under the influence of drink or drugs.

The car was then seen by officers from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) in Loughborough the same afternoon.

A request was made for the vehicle to stop, but Chauraya made off from officers, driving through Loughborough in a dangerous manner and narrowly avoiding a number of parked cars.

At one point, he was recorded driving at 55mph in an area where the speed limit was 30mph.

The car eventually came to a stop in Warwick Way and Chauraya, 21, made off on foot.

However, he was arrested by officers shortly afterwards.

Further enquiries following his arrest showed he was involved in the supply of cannabis.

A search of his home address also led officers to a KTM motorcycle using false plates, which had been reported stolen from Earl Shilton on 23 November.

On Tuesday (January 4), at Leicester Crown Court, Chauraya – of Rempstone Road in Belton – pleaded guilty to:

• One count of dangerous driving
• One count of driving without insurance
• One count of driving without a licence
• One count of failing to stop for police
• One count of handling stolen goods
• One count of being concerned in the supply of cannabis

He was also disqualified from driving for two years. Detective Constable Chris Fox, the investigating officer, said: "Chauraya is a criminal who clearly has no regard for the public's safety. "He knew he was wanted and was prepared to put the lives of others at risk to try and evade police. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the RPU whose good work led to his arrest. "As part of the investigation, we found he was also involved in the supply of cannabis and handling of stolen goods. "I hope the public can take some reassurance from the fact he is off our streets and is serving time in prison."