A motorist accused of leading police on a chase and then lying to officers about his car being stolen has been released on bail by a judge.

Matthew Rogers is said to have been behind the wheel of a Ford Focus when it was driven away from officers on Sunday, August 4.

The 22-year-old is then said to have reported the vehicle as stolen when he contacted the police the following day.

No charges were formally put to Rogers, of Downs View, Bradford on Avon, and he did not enter any pleas during the brief hearing at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

He is accused of dangerous driving, possession of cannabis and perverting the course of justice.

Judge Douglas Field adjourned the case to Friday, January 10 and released Rogers on unconditional bail until then.

It is said that the car failed to stop for police on Canal Road, Trowbridge, in the early hours after they thought it had a defective light.

The vehicle was then allegedly driven dangerously on Shails Lane, Wicker Hill, Hill Street, Hammond Way, the B3105 and B3106 Holt Road.

The occupants of the car are then said to have ran off after dumping the vehicle in Broughton Gifford.