A LEARNER driver who narrowly avoided knocking down a young girl while speeding has avoided jail.

William Carrick, of Binend Road, Pollok, was instead ordered at Glasgow Sheriff Court to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

He was doing 70mph in a 30mph zone while being chased by police in the city's Priesthill last May.

Carrick had failed to stop for a routine check and the 26 year-old did not have a licence to drive.

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Prosecutor Kathleen O'Donnell told how a 12 year-old girl happened to be crossing the road at the time.

The fiscal added: "On seeing Carrick's car and the police following, she ran.

"Had she not done so, she would most probably have been struck by Carrick's vehicle.

"She appeared terrified by the situation."

Other motorists had to dodge Carrick as he also clipped corners.

He eventually lost control of his car and mounted a grass verge.

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Carrick returned to the dock having pled guilty to driving dangerously as well as without a licence or insurance.

Sheriff Norman Ritchie told him: “I will put you out of your misery. I will not give you a prison sentence.

“If you breach this order you will be brought back here before me and I will pursue the maximum custodial sentence.”

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Carrick was also banned from the road for 18 months and placed on a six month restriction of liberty order.