A SOUTH Petherton teenager has appeared in court facing a charge of dangerous driving following a police pursuit through the village.

Charlie Hughes allegedly drove at speeds of 50mph in a 30mph limit and went the wrong way down a one way street as officers followed him in their car.

The 19-year-old defendant, of Lightgate, appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates, sitting at Yeovil.

He pleaded not guilty that on February 16 at South Petherton he drove a vehicle dangerously on Silver Street, Palmer Street, Compton Road, Westend View and Westend Way.

He also denied using the vehicle without insurance and dishonestly receiving stolen goods, namely a Fleming grass topper of an unknown value belonging to Phillippa Toulson on the same date.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said that the defendant’s driving allegedly caused another vehicle to have to take evasive action to avoid being hit, and when his vehicle was eventually stopped police found a stolen item inside and a small amount of cannabis.

The court was told that Hughes denied being the driver of the van claiming he had been at home with his uncle at the time.

The magistrates refused to accept the case and ordered Hughes to be sent to Taunton Crown Court to stand trial.

They adjourned all matters until May 8 when he must appear at a pre trial hearing at Taunton.

Until then he was released on conditional bail on the understanding that he must not sit in the driver’s seat of any vehicle.