An arrogant young man told a police driver he had a better car, was a superior driver and could have out-run him in a chase.

The story was told at Caernarfon crown court where on Wednesday 19-year-old Joshua Gilmore of Prenteg, Porthmadog pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to give a blood sample to police after earlier having taken cocaine.

His barrister Jo Maxwell said the offences were due to “sheer stupidity and the arrogance of youth”.

He had now stopped taking drugs and was looking for work.

Prosecuting, Sarah Badrawy said on November 30 police had pursued Gilmore’s VW Golf for a mile and a quarter from Bontnewydd, driving at more than 60mph in a 40 limit and cutting a corner dangerously.

The car stopped near Rhostryfan and Gilmore spoke boastfully and aggressively about his ability behind the wheel.

Judge Huw Rees sentenced him to nine months detention suspended for 18 months with 200 hours of unpaid work.

Gilmore must attend 35 hours of a special probation course and he was banned from driving for 15 months with an intensive test before driving again.

Judge Rees said Gilmore could have killed someone - or himself.

“The arrogance of youth needs to be knocked out if you,” he remarked.