A SOUTH Petherton teenager has appeared in court facing a charge of dangerous driving following a police pursuit.

Charlie Hughes allegedly drove at speeds of 50mph in a 30mph limit and went the wrong way down a one way street as officers chased him.

The 19-year-old, of Lightgate, appeared before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil.

He pleaded not guilty that on February 16 at South Petherton he drove a vehicle dangerously on Silver Street, Palmer Street, Compton Road, Westend View and Westend Way.

He also denied using the vehicle without insurance and dishonestly receiving stolen goods, namely a Fleming grass topper of an unknown value belonging to Phillippa Toulson on the same date.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said allegedly his driving caused another vehicle to have to take action to avoid being hit, and when the vehicle was stopped, a stolen item and cannabis were found inside.

The court was told that Hughes denied being the driver of the van claiming he had been at home with his uncle at the time.

Hughes was sent to Taunton Crown Court to stand trial and will appear there on May 8 for a pre-trial hearing.

He was released on conditional bail on the understanding that he must not sit in the driver’s seat of any vehicle.