A motorist who took two 'stranded' teenagers on a terrifying police chase then left them to take the blame has been jailed for 15 months.

Matthew Rogers, 23, had given the 17-year-olds Corsham lads a ride home from Bath in his Ford Focus after one had lost his wallet in a night out in the city.

But, as he was driving them through Trowbridge in the early hours of the morning, a passing police patrol tried to stop the car as it had a brake light permanently on.

Tim Hills, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court on Thursday last week, that Rogers sped away from the officers.

He went at 60mph in a 30mph zone on Canal Road then through Holt at 70mph, as the boys told him to stop, pulling away from the pursuing police.

The three door vehicle got so far ahead it disappeared down a side road, stopping in the car park of an old people's home in Broughton Gifford.

"The driver decamped and disappeared into the night leaving two very frightened 17-year-olds in the arms of the police," Mr Hills said.

He said neither had licences and one reeked of alcohol as he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Rogers later phoned the police to say his car had been stolen after he parked it in Bath and left the keys on the wheel, putting the two lads in the frame.

He also said he had left his phone behind after officers found a message on it from a friend saying the police had been at his door.

But Mr Hills said the boys had described the driver and in particular a large tribal tattoo on his neck and shoulder.

They said a nightclub bouncer in Bath knew someone who was going home their way after learning they were stranded in the early hours of Sunday, August 4, last year and introduced them to the defendant.

Rogers, of Downs View, Bradford on Avon, admitted dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice and possessing cannabis.

The court heard that a few days after the incident he was put on a suspended sentence for grievous bodily harm.

Marcus Davey, defending, said his client sped away because he knew there was cannabis in the car and he was frightened what might happen if it were found.

He said since being put on a suspended last summer he had done very well and had now qualified as an electrician.

Jailing him, Judge Tim Mousley QC said: "This was appalling driving. It was dangerous in the extreme.

"It could have caused significant and untold damage not just to property but to anybody who happened to be in the street that night.

"Eventually when the police apprehended you, you lied to them as to where the car was."

As well as jailing him for 15 months he imposed a three-year driving ban, ordered him to take an extended test and pay £100 victim surcharge.