A 19-year-old has been jailed after admitting child sex crimes and dangerous driving.

Ryan Armstrong was given a two-and-a-half-year jail term at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday (TUES) .

He had previously admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as dangerous driving in a Renault Clio, other motoring offences and cannabis possession.

The court heard how Armstrong’s sex crimes occurred over a period of almost 18 months and involved a girl aged in her early teens.

He had committed the offences despite already receiving a police caution for his behaviour towards the girl.

The dangerous driving charge related to a separate incident in Workington on New Year’s Day.

Armstrong led officers on a pursuit through residential areas, ignoring blue lights and sirens.

“A front seat passenger was seen jumping out of the car without it stopping,” said prosecutor Nicholas Flanagan.

Police estimated the Clio was travelling at about 40mph. The vehicle then swerved “violently” as attempts were made to close the door.

A woman who was driving another vehicle came face-to-face with the Clio on a narrow street.

“She noted that the car was not slowing down. She genuinely thought she was about to be involved in an horrific collision,” said Mr Flanagan.

They managed to avoid a collision and police found the crashed and abandoned Clio soon after.

Officers tracked down Armstrong – and found he had the car key in his pocket.

Alison Whalley, defending, said Armstrong, of Charles Close, Workington, was “very remorseful”.

He had shown insight into his sex offending and Miss Whalley stressed: “He knew what he was doing was wrong, he shouldn’t have done it and regrets his actions.”

But despite appeals for a suspended sentence, Judge Peter Davies concluded: “There must be custody, I am afraid.”

Armstrong was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

He must also abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.