SCARED he was being pursued by violent relatives of his ex partner, an Ipswich man sped away from police who were in an unmarked car.David Clements, 38, of Kipling Road, must today await his fate after admitting dangerous driving on October 13 last year.

SCARED he was being pursued by violent relatives of his ex partner, an Ipswich man sped away from police who were in an unmarked car.

David Clements, 38, of Kipling Road, must today await his fate after admitting dangerous driving on October 13 last year.

Magistrates in Ipswich heard his fear-fuelled flight only came to an end when a patrol car blocked the road, forcing him to stop.

Prosecutor Steven Cole said plain-clothed police saw Clements' Vauxhall Astra being driven suspiciously in Montgomery Road.

They followed and it soon sped up. The officers guessed the driver was trying to get away from them, so they called for back-up.

The Astra drove through a red traffic light, and headed for the town centre at speeds of up to 60mph.

Mr Cole said: "When it got to the traffic lights at Chancery Road and Princes Street, it drew to a stop and police approached. The car mounted a kerb in an attempt to get round the red light but a police vehicle across the lane prevented this from happening.

"When arrested and interviewed, the defendant said he had thought some men were following him, who were going to give him a beating. He had had problems with his ex partner's family or friends, and wanted to get away from what he thought was behind him."

Defending, Nigel Innes denied any suggestion that his client had 'rammed' a police car, and said the dangerous driving charge related to a short distance between Burrell Road and Cardinal Park.

He said: "He assumed, which he now knows to be totally incorrect, that people were chasing him. That's what he thought."

The case was adjourned to March 12 for pre sentence reports to be prepared.

Clements was released on unconditional bail.