A woman took part in a high speed early hours chase before being fleeing police on foot, a court has heard.

Kerry Barnett, 41, was a passenger in Toyota Arola in Hindley at just after 2am on April 4, 2021 when police began their pursuit after checks revealed the car to be stolen.

She was travelling with three other people as the car reached speeds of up to 80mph in a bid to escape the pursuing officers and Bolton Crown Court heard how they then fled across a field after mounting a curb.

Gwen Henshaw, prosecuting, said: “The officers chased the four on foot over the field but then had to return to secure the car.

“Dog handlers were then brought to the scene and followed the four."

Leigh Journal: The case was heard at Bolton Crown CourtThe case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

The chase began at the junction between Liverpool Road and Atherton Road in Hindley and continued over Lancaster Avenue, Bridge Street, Market Street, Warrington Road, Lilly Lane and Bryn Gates Lane.

After fleeing the car on foot, Barnett was eventually found and one of the other three people’s homes.

Ms Henshaw told the court that the man answered the door to police in his underpants and with a glass of milk claiming that they had woken him.

But on going into the house they found Barnett, of Millers Lane, Platt Bridge and the others all fully clothed.

She gave no comment when interviewed by police but pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking before the courts.

Anna Bond, defending, argued that Barnett deserved credit for having pleaded guilty and said that she had since taken steps to improve her behaviour.

She said that the 41-year-old planned to move further afield to Fleetwood to stay away from negative influences.

Ms Bond said: “This is a defendant who for long periods time was able to go through her life without taking drugs and without committing criminal offences.”

She added: “The extent of her offending was accepting a lift from someone in a car she knew was stolen.”

Judge Nicholas Clarke KC sentenced Barnett to 12 weeks in prison, which she has already served while on remand but warned her that he behaviour would have to improve in future.

Addressing the defendant, he said: “You’re an adult now of 41, you have to take responsibility for yourself.”