A DANGEROUS driver threatened lives by running red lights, undertaking cars, and travelling at 96 miles per hour.

Ryan Farrell, 21, was spotted by a police patrol driving his Golf GTI at 9.25 pm on May 2.

The patrol initially believed Farrell to be an undercover officer, as he had placed blue and red flashing lights on the front of his vehicle and ran a red light.

Police realised, however, that this was not the case after spotting there were no lights on the rear of the vehicle.

Farrell was then spotted travelling at 96 miles per hour on a road with a 70 miles per hour limit. He also was spotted undertaking vehicles and making dangerous manoeuvres.

The 21-year-old, who resides on Green Lane in Padgate, had six previous points on his licence.  

Defending Farrell, Alex Dunn pointed to the defendant’s ADHD and autism diagnosis’ as influencing factors in his offending. It was also claimed that relationship difficulties had led to this behaviour. 

He also stated that Farrell was currently working towards his life-long dream of being a pilot in the RAF.

Farrell claimed the lights, which were flashing red and blue, were from 'when he takes the car to shows'. 

Head Magistrate Stephen Walton, summarising the case, said: “Driving at 96 miles per hour is absolutely horrendous.

“It could have had devastating consequences, not just for you, but for others driving.

“You could have gone to prison today. The only reason you didn’t is because this was your first offence, and you’ve shown remorse.”

Farrell received a 12 month community order, inclusive of 300 hours of unpaid work, and was banned for 12 months from driving.