A MOTORIST who led police across a playing field on a high speed chase in a town centre was finally forced to stop after officers boxed his car in.

Daniel Robinson, 23, drove on the wrong side of the road, across a roundabout and reached speeds of 60mph in a 30mph zone.

The chase round Shildon, in County Durham, lasted for about half an hour and Robinson managed to lose pursuing police cars at one point.

Robinson, of Howlish View, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, was finally stopped when his Renault Clio struck another vehicle and was hemmed in by police.

Prosecutor David Carmichael told magistrates at Newton Aycliffe that the police were first alerted to Robinson’s green Clio at 7.13pm on November 27.

He said officers had received reports that the car had been seen speeding through the Jubilee Fields area where it had damaged a fence.

Mr Carmichael said: “Police saw the Clio on Coronation Avenue and Spout Lane at 7.45pm.

“Robinson failed to stop for police and he drove at 60mph in a 30mph zone. Robinson went straight over a roundabout and through a no entry sign.

“He went over the pavement and across the Jubilee Fields playing field and police lost sight of the Clio.

“Police saw Robinson again on Cheapside and he refused to stop. Robinson reached 40mph on the wrong side of the road.

“He reached 60mph and lost control and he spun on Larch Avenue where the Clio hit a post. A man then ran off from the passenger side of the Clio.

“The Clio then headed along Larch Avenue where it hit a Vauxhall Astra and then it was boxed in by the police cars. The driver ran off.”

Robinson was later arrested and was found to have a provisional driving licence and no insurance at the time.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of dangerous driving, two charges of failing to stop for the police, two offences of failing to report an accident and two more of failing to stop for an accident.

Robinson also pleaded guilty to having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Defending solicitor Andrew Clinton did not offer any mitigation. Robinson was given unconditional bail and is due to appear at Durham Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, February 4.