A TEENAGER who led police on a high speed chase through the streets of Ilminster which became so dangerous that the officers aborted it has been ordered to stand trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Ricky Winter allegedly drove through the town centre and country lanes while uninsured and without a licence until the police were forced to abandon the pursuit due to foggy weather conditions.

In another incident he was said to have assaulted a teenaged girl during an altercation in the street when he was said to have grabbed her round the neck.

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

He was charged that on April 30 at Ilminster he drove a vehicle dangerously on Ditton Street, Herne Rise, Cricket Lane and various other roads around Ilminster.

He was also alleged to have used a vehicle without insurance, an MoT or a licence and failed to atop when requested by a police constable. He did not enter any pleas to these offences.

During the separate matter he pleaded not guilty to an allegation that he assaulted a female by beating her at Ilminster on April 9.

The magistrates said the dangerous driving matter was so serious that Winter must be sent to the crown court to stand trial.

They adjourned that matter until June 19 when he must appear before a pre trial hearing at Taunton.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said that the assault offence involved a teenaged girl where the defendant was seen by an independent witness to grab her by her hoody and he then allegedly put his hands round her neck.

A review of the assault matter was conducted and that offence was adjourned until July 3 when Winter must stand trial before Somerset Magistrates.

In the meantime he was released on conditional bail on the understanding he does not contact the complainant directly or indirectly.