GERALD Hicks will appear in court charged with dangerous driving following a car chase in Pinehurst at Christmas.

Children playing near the road feared for their lives when a silver Mercedes sped along Hawthorn Avenue chased by police.

Heather and Harriet Bullock aged 10 and 14 were out with friends at noon on December 29 at the time. The police helicopter was scrambled and officers discovered Hicks hiding up a tree behind the medical centre.

The 32-year-old, of no fixed address, has also been charged with several other offences.

These are driving with no insurance and while disqualified, possessing Class A drugs, two breaches of bail and burgling the Groves Company Inn, in Fleet Street.

The proceedings to commit the case to crown court are scheduled to take place tomorrow.