A TEENAGE biker who smashed into the side of a car after leading police on a chase across Southampton told a judge: "I feel like an idiot".

Justin Iles-Low took off along Portsmouth Road after a police car began pursuing him, a court heard.

Southampton Crown Court was told he reached speeds of 70mph and jumped two red lights as he “disappeared from sight”.

Carrying a pillion passenger - his then girlfriend - the 19-year-old turned a corner as he left officers behind.

But police caught up with him when he crashed into the side of a car as he approached Station Road.

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Iles-Low, of Sycamore Road, Southampton, later admitted driving dangerously, without insurance, vehicle tax, an MOT, or a driving licence.

He also pleaded guilty to driving on fraudulent registration plates after one of the letters on the bike’s registration was changed.

Prosecuting, Tom Wright said the crash was “inevitable” as he was travelling at “very high speed”.

He said Iles-Low was “very fortunate to have survived with relatively minor injuries”.

Judge Brian Forster KC said he “would have had no choice than to impose a sentence between three and five years in custody” had the crash been more serious.

“I regularly have to deal with cases where people are killed or suffer serious injuries.

“[You were] well over the permitted speed limit. You go through two red lights. All in all, it’s a shocking piece of driving.

“Any member of the public could have been injured or killed by your driving. There can be no excuse for driving in this way.”

Iles-Low, who has no previous offences, told the judge: “I feel like an idiot. I know I shouldn’t have done it.

“I haven’t done it since. I’m trying to put it in the past.”

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Mitigating, Jamie Gammon said his client is “aware this incident could gave been much worse”.

“I never cease to be amazed as to why young people behave in this way with a motor vehicle.”

However, he said Iles-Low “needs some help to get himself sorted out”.

The defendant, who is currently looking for work, was given a 10-month sentence in a young offenders institution but suspended for 15 months.

He must pay a surcharge of £187, carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and complete 10 rehabilitation activity days.

He was disqualified for two years and must pass an extended re-test before acquiring a licence.