An Aberdeen teenager has admitted leading police on an early-morning high-speed car chase through the city centre.
Dylan Thompson had taken his girlfriend out in a blue Hyundai Getz on September 29, despite not having a licence or insurance.
And when a police car started to follow him, he put his foot down and sped off across the city, running red lights in an attempt to get away from pursuing officers.
Yesterday the 18-year-old appeared in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and pled guilty to three road traffic offences.
He admitted dangerous driving, carrying a passenger in the car while only holding a provisional licence and driving without insurance.
The court heard the vehicle he was driving was occasionally used by others who had been known to deal drugs.
As a result, this initially attracted the attention of the police when he was on Provost Rust Drive and they started to follow Thompson.
Representing the teenager, solicitor Mike Allan said his client thought the police would believe he was also involved in dealing drugs, so he put his foot down in an attempt to get away from them.
After going through red lights at a number of junctions and reaching speeds in excess of 70mph, Thompson eventually abandoned the car in Charlotte Gardens and took off on foot.
He was later traced by officers who had recognised his description.
Sentence was deferred on the teen for background reports to be carried out.
He will return to court next year.