A child narrowly escaped being knocked down by a learner driver racing along at 70mph in a 30mph zone.

The 12-year-old had to run to safety as 26-year-old William Carrick sped along Muirshiel Crescent, Priesthill, Glasgow, in May last year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Carrick was driving in excess of 70 miles per hour in a 30mph zone, pursued by police.

Prosecutor Kathleen O’Donnell said: “At this time a young girl aged approximately 12-years was crossing over Muirshiel Crescent.

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“On seeing the accused’s vehicle and the following police vehicle she ran across the road. Had she not done so would most probably be have been struck by the accused’s vehicle.

“She appeared terrified by the situation.”

Carrick pled guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence and having no insurance.

The court heard Carrick’s danger driving started on Nitshill Road when Carrick failed to stop for for a routine check on the vehicle by police in an unmarked car.

Carrick and his female passenger sped off and continued onto Parkhouse Road when the police turned on their lights and sirens and started the pursuit.

Carrick clipped corners and almost lost control while going round a bend on Weensmoor Road.

Prosecutor Kathleen O’Donnell said: “Vehicles moved out of his way as he drove under the railway bride and he continued west on Nitshill Road..

Carrick was driving at between 50 and 60mph through residential built-up areas.

At Muirshiel Crescent Carrick was speeding in excess of 70 miles per hour.

After narrowly missing the girl Carrick continued to race over speed bumps in a 20 miles per hour zone.

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In Priesthill Road, Carrick lost control of his car and mounted a pavement onto a grass verge.

Defence lawyer Stephen Fox said: "He has no previous convictions and he panicked as he didn't have a licence."

Sheriff Norman Ritchie told Carrick: “All sentencing options are available, you are disqualified from having a license and driving from this point on.”

Carrick will be sentenced by Sheriff Ritchie next month.