A MOTORIST who led police on a high-risk chase across Dorset at speeds of up to 100mph has been jailed after putting other road users in serious danger.

Officers first spotted a grey BMW 1 Series on the A35 Puddletown bypass at around 9.45am on Sunday, June 22.

The car was believed to be displaying cloned number plates and was not insured.

When police tried to stop the vehicle near Bere Regis using blue lights and sirens, the driver failed to pull over and instead sped off towards the A31.

The BMW, driven by 27-year-old Sarwar Rasool Mustafa from Chard in Somerset, continued for around 18.5 miles, driving dangerously throughout the pursuit.

Police said Mustafa travelled at excessive speeds, ignored red traffic lights, crossed double white lines and even reversed into a police vehicle.

The incident was eventually brought to a safe conclusion in Autumn Close, Ferndown, where Mustafa was arrested.

Mustafa later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without third-party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, December 19 to 18 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 40 months.

PC Mark Palmer from the roads policing team said Mustafa’s driving put lives at risk, overtaking numerous vehicles in a dangerous manner.

PC Palmer described the dashcam footage as “shocking”. He added: “It is extremely lucky that he was not involved in a collision and no other road users were harmed by his reckless driving.

“There is no excuse for driving the way that Mustafa did that day. This could have ended in devastating and tragic consequences.

“Everybody has a responsibility not only for themselves, but also for other road users when getting behind the wheel. We need everyone to play their part by making good decisions and driving within the law.”

Police said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and serves as a warning about the potentially fatal consequences of dangerous driving.