A LEARNER driver who crashed into a wall after reaching speeds of more than 60mph in built-up areas of Bournemouth has received a community sentence.

Portuguese Alexssandro Osti, 37, from St Peter’s Road, Bournemouth, admitted driving dangerously and without a licence on June 8 this year.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how a police officer in a marked car had tried to stop Osti, who was unaccompanied, after spotting him driving without a seat belt at around 9.30 am in Old Christchurch Road.

Despite the officer flashing his lights and sounding his siren Osti accelerated away from the constable who called for assistance as his own speed reached more than 60mph.

Osti was observed driving on the wrong side of the road and narrowly missed colliding with an oncoming vehicle. After driving into Dean Park Road on his two nearside wheels he lost control and mounted the pavement before ploughing into a brick wall and bushes.

After being handcuffed and taken to the police station for questioning Osti said that he had panicked after he had heard the siren.

A man of previous good character, he accepted that he could have been killed and that his driving had been wildly dangerous.

Judge Samuel Wiggs told Osti: “What you did was dangerous to the public and you are going to have to pay something back to the public.”

He imposed a community order with 200 hours’ unpaid work and ten day education, training and employment requirements. Osti was banned from driving for two years and must take an extended test before getting back behind the wheel of any vehicle.