A DRINK driving moped rider who "goaded" police and stuck out his tongue at them has been banned from the roads and given a suspended prison sentence.

Learner driver Robbie George Thomas, 24, drank from a can of alcohol while riding erratically in Geldof Road, Huntington, in front of police officers at 3am on April 21, said Nicoleta Alistari, prosecuting at York Crown Court.

Then he drove past them, sped at more than 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, turned into New Lane without slowing, and escaped.

When they found him shortly afterwards in Monkton Road, he gestured at them and stuck out his tongue at them, and drove on the wrong side of the road.

Again he made off at more than 50 mph and police had to abandon the pursuit.

But officers found him again shortly afterwards and for 20 minutes he "goaded" them by riding over speed bumps at speed in north York and screeching his tyres, knowing they could see him, she said.

He had no previous convictions.

His solicitor Steve Munro said he had panicked on seeing the police and had acted impulsively. He was remorseful.

Thomas, of Vale of York Caravan Site, Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on April 21, drink driving, driving without a licence and without insurance and possession of a small amount of cannabis found on him when arrested.

Judge Paul Worsley QC sent Thomas to prison for three nights while he decided on sentence.

On Thomas' return to court, he said: "You have had a taste of what is ahead for you should you come again before the court.

"This sort of driving will not be tolerated. It is dangerous not only for you, but to other members of the public. You could have killed or seriously harmed members of your family as well as yourself."

He gave Thomas an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years on condition Thomas does five days' rehabilitative activities and 160 hours' unpaid work, banned him from driving for two years, fined him £300 and ordered him to pay £250 prosecution costs.