A TEENAGER with a “terrible criminal record” has been sentenced to 12 months in a young offender’s institution for joyriding - and other driving offences.

Manchester Crown Court heard Brogan Whiteley, of Halliwell Road, Prestwich, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance in Manchester city centre.

He was previously subject to a youth rehabilitation order, and was already banned from driving following previous offences.

Grace Laverty, prosecuting, said the 19-year-old bought a car, and was out joyriding with friends at night.

She said: “He was spotted by police, and he took off before they even had a chance to turn on the blue flashing lights. He was driving at 70mph in a residential zone where the speed limit was 30mph.

“He clipped another vehicle, and showed a blatant disregard for other road users and pedestrians.”

The court heard how Whiteley has a string of previous convictions, ranging from burglary to assaulting police officers, as well as motorcycle theft.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Rebecca Penfield said: “My client has a very young son, who lives with his mother. He is also employed as a contractor.

“He has already completed 50 hours of unpaid community work as part of a previous community order, which I think he should receive credit for.

During sentencing, Judge Hilary Manley told Whiteley: “For a 19-year old, you have a terrible criminal record.

“It is sheer luck that you are standing here facing a sentence of dangerous driving, rather than one of causing death by dangerous driving.

“You expressed remorse in a letter to me, and I appreciate that. But you need to stop committing crimes like this before you kill someone.”

He was sentenced to 12 months detention.