A man involved in a car chase with police in Clevedon got out of his vehicle while it was still moving and left it to crash into a wall.

North Somerset Courthouse was told on Monday how police launched a car chase through the town after they spotted a Peugeot being driven at high speed through Central Way.

Prosecutor Rebecca Pearce said police later gave chase on foot as the driver, Reece Baker, scaled garden fences while trying to get away.

The court was told how Baker, aged 20, bought the Peugeot on November 1, and drove it away the same day.

A police officer was conducting speed checks in Central Way and saw the car being driven at about 50mph and signalled for it to stop.

The speed limit in Central Way is 30mph.

When the driver failed to stop, the police officer gave chase in his car.

Ms Pearce said: “The Peugeot accelerated, overtook another vehicle and continued towards the roundabout in Central Way.

“It turned into Millcross, and past the Crab Apple car park.

“The driver got out of the vehicle while it was still moving and ran off.

“It continued to roll forward and collided with a wall, causing extensive damage to the car.”

Police officers ran after Baker on foot as he scaled garden fences, and they finally caught up with him.

Baker, of Braikenridge Close, in Clevedon, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for police, and driving without insurance.

Baker, who represented himself in court, said: “I know I have done wrong and I am sorry about that.

“It was stupid. There is nothing I can do about it, which is why I have turned up and pleaded guilty.”

Magistrates ordered Baker to pay a £120 fine, prosecution costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.

Baker has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.