A SOUTHAMPTON man led police on a 25-mile chase tearing along roads at double the speed limit, a court heard.

Liam Kane drove at almost 100mph in a 60mph zone as well as going the wrong way around roundabouts.

The 27-year-old was pursued by police for 25 minutes after he was first spotted driving on the M27.

A court heard how police believed the car he was driving had been involved in a burglary in Lymington.

After being followed by police in an unmarked car, Kane of Ash Tree Road made a U-turn close to McDonald’s in Cosham.

He took off at speed, leading officers on a chase through Swanwick, Bishop’s Waltham and finally ending in Southampton.

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Prosecuting, Lucie Taylor told Southampton Crown Court how Kane travelled at double the speed limit on more than one occasion before coming to a stop in a dead-end road in Southampton.

Ms Taylor added: “This was excessive speed in multiple built-up areas.”

She said that he had been caught driving at 95mph in a 60mph zone, 80mph in a 40mph zone and 66mph in a 30mph road, all whilst having a passenger in the car with him.

Daily Echo: Liam Kane outside Southampton Crown Court. 13/10/2022 Liam Kane outside Southampton Crown Court. 13/10/2022 (Image: Newsquest)

Kane was arrested but gave no comment in interview. He later pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving.

Mitigating, Berenice Mulvanny told the court he was “extremely lucky that nobody was injured, and no damage was done”.

She added that her client had always intended to plead guilty and that this is his first criminal conviction.

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But Judge Christopher Parker KC told Kane: “You drove dangerously for 25 miles and 25 minutes.

“You undoubtedly endangered the life of your passenger and your own life.

“Your actions were utterly stupid. That no one was killed is just a piece of good luck.”

He jailed Kane for eight months but suspended the sentence for two years.

He must also carry out 280 hours of unpaid work, pay £535 in costs and complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Kane was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must take an extended re-test to get his licence back.

Judge Parker added: “You have come precariously close to going straight into custody.

“If you commit any offence at all. You will come back to this court and I will send you to prison.

“You have had a very narrow escape. You and I had better not meet here again.”

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