A KINVER builder who was involved in a high speed police chase after he picked up a man who was wanted for a serious sexual offence has avoided time behind bars.

The man was being kept under surveillance by officers in an unmarked police car when they saw him being collected from a house in Mill Street, Brierley Hill.

He got into Joseph Jordin's car and when he told him “I have got people after me,” the 30-year-old hit the accelerator and sped from the scene.

During the eight minute pursuit Jordin forced other vehicles to take action to avoid a collision and he shot through gaps between oncoming cars before finally driving into a cul-de-sac where he and his passenger were arrested.

The other man was being closely watched by police and is now in custody, Christopher Gibbons, defending, told Wolverhampton Crown Court.

He said Jordin went to collect him from the house in Brierley Hill and when the man noticed they were being followed by an unmarked car he reacted.

After his arrest Jordin stressed it was only when he realised they were being chased by police officers that he drove into the cul-de-sac.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC told Jordin he found it hard to believe he had not known they were police officers because the unmarked car had its blue light flashing.

“You drove in a heavily populated area where there were schools and you showed a complete disregard for the rules of the road,” he said.

He added it was only a “matter of luck” that no-one had been injured in the chase, which went on for nearly three miles.

Jordin, of Edge View Walk, admitted dangerous driving and he was given an eight month jail term, suspended for two years.

He was disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and must pay £600 costs.

David Bennett, prosecuting, said Jordin drove off at speed to try and evade the officers after picking up the man who was wanted for a serious sexual offence.

He said Jordin hit 60mph in a 30mph limit around the Brierley Hill area and after his arrest he told the officers he was unaware his passenger was wanted adding, “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”