HEAT-SEEKING helicopter gear helped track down a dangerous and disqualified driver, a court heard.
Thermal imaging equipment on the police's eye-in-the-sky helped locate a
motorist who had abandoned his car near secluded woods in Netherton.
Prosecutor Rory Byrne told Wakefield Magistrates' Courthowpolice on patrol on Broadway, Lupset, saw Sh
akur Ahmed Ellam's car travelling at a high speed towards Horbury at 12.30am on March 1.
Officers turned on their blue lights but the Vauxhall Corsa failed to stop and a pursuit began.
Ellam, 24, was doing in excess of 60mph in a 30mph zone. He was also on the wrong side of a keep left bollard on Thornes Road.
Patrolmen dropped back and the police helicopter took over.
The car was abandoned at 12.45am but hi-tech equipment was used to find the driver.
Ellam initially said: "I'm just out for a walk." But on Tuesday he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving between Broadway, Lupset and South Lane, Netherton.
He also admitted driving while disqualified and having no insurance.
The court heard Ellam, of Conway Crescent, Batley Carr, worked in a travel agency.
David Ward, mitigating, told District Judge Marie Mallon: "The defendant doesn't want the case to go to Crown Court. I don't think anything I could say today would persuade you."
Judge Mallon told Ellam: "These matters are too serious to be dealt with at this court. I'm committing you for sentence at Leeds Crown Court."
Disqualified driver Ellam was bailed on the condition that he doesn't travel in the front seat of any motor vehicle.
