A TEENAGE driver who shone a high-powered lamp into the faces of pursuing police officers has been fined and given a curfew.

Gareth Town, 19, appeared at Selby Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after being found guilty of causing a danger to road users and driving without insurance.

Town was arrested in November last year following a car chase during which he repeatedly shined a high-powered lamp into the line of vision of a following police officer.

He was spotted in a Ford Mondeo at the entrance to Barnsdale Bar quarry by a patrol looking for cross-border and rural criminals.

He ignored a request to stop and a chase followed through Little Smeaton and Womersley, before he was caught in Cridling Stubbs, after he crashed into a ditch.

PC Kevin Kelly, Selby wildlife and rural crime officer, said: “I was involved in this case and the officer concerned showed great professionalism and driving ability. Town’s dangerous and irresponsible actions were extremely dangerous and in different circumstances could have resulted in serious injury.”

Town, of South Elmsall, West Yorks, was fined £250 with six points on his driving licence. He was also given a six-month community order with a 8pm to 6am curfew until August 11.