A 27-YEAR-old chef was involved in a high-speed police chase by a helicopter and armed officers after he refused to stop because he had no insurance.Min Chen reached speeds of up to 100mph in the chase which took place over two counties.

A 27-YEAR-old chef was involved in a high-speed police chase by a helicopter and armed officers after he refused to stop because he had no insurance.

Min Chen reached speeds of up to 100mph in the chase which took place over two counties.

He pleaded guilty to charges of failing to stop for a police officer, having no insurance or driving licence at a hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court yesterday .

It was at 1.50am on November 13 last year that Chen, who lives above his workplace Pink House, in Grimwade Street, Ipswich, was spotted speeding in London Road in the town.

A police officer then witnessed the married father-of-one drive through a red light on the junction of Robin Drive.

Claire Forsdyke, prosecuting, said that police had spotted Chen swerving back and forth across London Road at speeds of more than 40mph.

Ms Forsdyke said “The officer pursued the vehicle with her blue lights flashing.

“The vehicle increased speed and goes on to the A12 where the police helicopter is called to pursue it because of poor visibility.”

Magistrates in Ipswich heard how Chen failed to stop for the police car, which was the only other car on the road and the chase continued until he was stopped by a fire arms unit in Colchester.

Sharon Hector, mitigating, said: “Initially he did not realise that police required him to stop.

“At the latter end of the chase he realised they wanted him to stop and he accepts he continued to drive because he didn't have any insurance.”

District judge David Cooper disqualified Chen from driving for one year, fined him £500 and made him pay £43 court costs.