A driver reportedly gunned his Range Rover to speeds of around 140mph in a bid to evade police.

Jawad Ali, 19, was behind the wheel of a borrowed car and on his way back from celebrating Eid with family in Cardiff when police spotted him on the M4 on the evening of Saturday, August 1, Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said his speed was initially recorded as 108mph. He was followed and thought to have been driving at speeds of up to 140mph on the motorway near Chippenham.

He turned onto the A350 towards Chippenham and the chase finally came to an end near Kington St Michael.

Appearing before the magistrates’ court via video link from Melksham police station, Ali, of Malvern Gardens, Harrow, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen, driving without a licence or insurance and possession of cannabis.

Claire Gooding, defending, said her client had wanted to see family in Cardiff to celebrate Eid. He had borrowed a friend’s car.

She said: “He regrets very much that he chose to do this. He is apologetic and would like to say to the court he panicked when he saw the police because he realised he shouldn’t have been driving the vehicle and was speeding. He wasn’t paying full attention; he would have to accept that.”

Magistrates bailed him to appear before Swindon Crown Court for sentence on September 4. Under his bail conditions he must be at his parents’ house in Harrow every night from 7pm to 7am and not get in the front seat of a vehicle. He was given an interim driving ban.