A DANGEROUS driver escaped prison because of a tragedy in his family history involving a traffic accident.

Newport crown court heard Brian Walker, aged 18, turned into a blind junction at 55mph while trying to evade a chasing police car.

Walker, of The Woodland, Penygarn, Pontypool, also drove on the wrong side of St Cadoc's Road, Trevethin, during the incident at 1am on December 13.

Recorder Greg Bull, QC, said: "You drove in a disgusting way and could have killed yourself and other people.

"You should know that tragedy can stem from driving knowing your family history.

"If not for this personal tragedy in your life I would have had no hesitation in sending you to prison."

Sentencing Walker, Recorder Bull did not give out the details of the traffic accident which caused the family tragedy.

Walker had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for an alcohol test and failing to stop during a hearing at Abergavenny magistrates court on December 22.

John Holmes, prosecuting, said officers saw Walker speed off in a Rover car and pursued him.

He said police followed Walker along Channel View, Penygarn Road, St Cadoc's Road, Beechwood Walk and Woodside Road, all in Trevethin.

Mr Holmes said: "He attempted a handbrake turn but was not successful and ended up facing the officers."

For failing to provide a specimen he was disqualified from driving for two years.

He received a 100-hour community punishment order for dangerous driving.

Walker was fined a total of £800 for the offences.