POLICE are hunting a man who received a prison sentence for leading officers on a “dangerous” high-speed car chase through Chard after he skipped his trial.

Kyle Unsworth, 27, of Albert Road, was given a 23-month prison sentence in his absence after being found guilty of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and possession of drugs at Taunton Crown Court.

The jury heard that police were forced to call off the high speed chase on May 30, 2015, as it was too dangerous, with Unsworth reaching speeds of 60mph in 20mph zones, with pedestrians diving out of his way to avoid being hit.

Now, police have issued a warrant for his arrest as they try to track him down.

Prosecuting, Alistair Haggerty told the jury that PCSO John Martin saw Unsworth, who has a string of previous motoring convictions, looking nervous as he got into a Renault Clio in Tesco car park in Ilminster, before driving off.

He was discovered to be disqualified from driving, with no car insurance or MOT, via a police computer check, the jury heard.

Mr Haggerty said: “Police officers were notified and Unsworth was seen in traffic on the A358.

“He overtook a transit van and put his foot down, veering onto the wrong side of the road.”

Mr Haggerty added: “He led police on a chase through housing estates – reaching speeds of 60mph in 20mph built up areas.”

Speaking from the witness stand, PC David Jeeves told the court: “We had to abort the chase – it was too dangerous.

“There were children and pedestrians about.

“He drove with a complete disregard for anyone else on the roads.”

A couple who were walking their dog jumped into a hedge to avoid being hit by Unsworth when he was driving, the jury heard.

The car was found around half an hour afterwards, abandoned at Paintmoor Lane, with a red hoodie, in a nearby bush.

Unsworth was arrested two days later.

He denied that the car was his, telling police he had sold it two weeks before.

He produced a vehicle registration document, plus a receipt.

However, there were no records of the man Unsworth claimed had bought the car and no existing address.

A parking ticket from March 27 found in the car had Unsworth’s fingerprints on it, and the hoodie at the scene had his DNA on it, the court heard.

Police also found 2.74g of Methadone, which is a class B substance.

Unsworth collected the car from the police compound himself, despite saying he had sold it.

He failed to attend the trial held on June 30, but it was heard in his absence and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The jury found him guilty on three counts of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and possession of a Class B drug.

Judge Michael Callum jailed Unsworth for 17 months in prison and disqualified him from driving for three years and 50 weeks.

Unsworth was given a further six months on the count of driving while disqualified to be served consecutively.

The 27-year-old was also sentenced to one month in prison for the possession of drugs to be served concurrently. This means he will serve a total of 23 months in prison.

The judge also ordered Unsworth to pay a victim surcharge of £100 and a forfeit of drugs has been ordered.

Now, police have issued a warrant for his arrest and are urging members of the public to contact 101 if they see him.

When arrested, he will also be sentenced for failing to attend his court hearing.