A DRIVER who was smoking cannabis at the wheel led police on a 20 mile chase where he went more than 120 miles an hour.

Connor Bartholomew was driving around the Sadler's Farm roundabout in Bowers Gifford on March 22 last year in the middle of the night.

The 31-year-old was driving a Seat, and caught the attention of a patrolling police officer as one of his tail lights wasn't working, and decided to follow him.

Bartholomew, who was smoking the drug while driving, panicked when he saw the police car following him onto the A13, and he sped off towards Chelmsford up the A130.

He then moved onto the A12 and sped towards Witham.

During various times in the chase, the officer clocked his speed at more than 120 miles an hour, and 70 miles an hour in areas where the limit was 30.

Eventually, Bartholomew left the A12 and drove into Witham, passed the Aldi store and onto Sphinx Lane, where he slowed enough for the officer to perform a controlled collision to stop the car.

Bartholomew tried to flee the scene but was quickly caught by the officer.

In total, the chase went on for more than 20 miles and began at 3.30am.

Bartholomew, of Orchard Road, Maldon, admitted dangerous driving and possession of cannabis and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court.

Mitigating, Oliver Kirk said: "The driving was not only dangerous but it was appalling.

"He is a kind, thoughtful and emotionally intelligent man.

"He is a chef but he has not returned to work partially because he did not want to let anyone down should he be sent to prison.

"He knows he only has himself to blame."

Recorder Karl King said: "You came to the attention of police because it was a defective rear light.

"What followed was a period of the most consistent dangerous driving that you could think of.

"All the officer would have spoken to you about was a rear light."

Recorder King gave Bartholomew a suspended prison sentence with 30 days rehabilitation and 120 hours unpaid work.