A DRIVER led police on a “dangerous” high-speed chase through Southampton city centre.

Syed Islam drove at speeds of up to 70mph on 30mph streets and jumped three red lights as he attempted to get away from pursuing police.

But the chase was brought to a stop when Islam’s Suzuki Alto was boxed in by officers as he attempted to make a turn.

Now Islam, 22, who works for popular dessert restaurant chain Sprinkles, has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to dangerous driving.

Southampton Crown Court police clocked Islam driving erratically on Empress Road, Northam, at around 3.30am on December 27.

Prosecutor Russel Pyne said officers noticed the Alto break without reason, hit a curb and indicate left before turning right.

Mr Pine said officers indicated to Islam to pull over.

But Islam reacted by speeding off.

Police indicated their blue lights and gave chase.

The court heard how the Alto reached speeds of between 60 and 70mph in a 30mph zone – at one point triggering a speed camera.

Mr Pine said Islam also drove through red lights in Kingsbury Road, St Mary’s Place and at the junction of Kingsway and New Road.

The court heard police managed to block the vehicle in near to the Premier Inn in New Road.

Islam was breathalysed but found to be under the drink-drive limit.

Officers later arrested and charged him for dangerous driving and possession of small bag of cannabis, both charges of which he later pleaded guilty to.

In mitigation, David Jenkins said Islam, who had no previous convictions and was not working at the time, “panicked” when police attempted to pull him over.

He said Islam, of Mansel Road East, was “ashamed” at his actions.

Judge Nicholas Rowland sentenced Islam to an 18 month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £425 in court costs and banned from driving for two years.

Judge Rowland said: “You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself and your behaviour. Goodness knows what your family must make of your behaviour that night.”

He added: “I very much hope this is an aberration.”