A MAN who tried to flee police in a vehicle stolen from outside the owner’s home 16 hours earlier, was jailed for a total of 28 months.

William Stewart claimed he was paid £50 to collect the Land Rover Freelander by a friend and was unaware it was stolen.

But, having admitted a series of driving offences arising from the pursuit at a previous hearing, the 31-year-old defendant also pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, on his latest appearance at Durham Crown Court, via video link from the city’s nearby prison.

The court heard the chase, on the evening of Wednesday, January 11, took place after police spotted the Land Rover heading southbound on the A19, from County Durham towards Teesside.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said when the police driver tried to approach the Land Rover to check its number plate, a van, apparently travelling in convoy, attempted to block the view.

Mr Dryden told the court the vehicle was reported stolen early that morning from outside the owner’s house, in Mordon, near Sedgefield.

But, having established it was the stolen Land Rover, the officer put on this blue lights and gave chase.

Stewart accelerated to 90-miles per hour, and, after turning off the A19, at the Portrack junction, in Stockton, went the wrong way round two roundabouts, passed through red lights, and at one point drove across a grassed area.

The pursuing police eventually came across the abandoned vehicle at Palm Terrace.

Stewart, who was found nearby, made the immediate comment that he was not the burglar, and was only moving it on a friend’s behalf, having been offered a £50 payment.

In a subsequent interview he repeated that he was only paid to move it, and was unaware it was taken in a burglary, claiming he did not even know the area in County Durham from where it was said to have been taken.

But, by his latest admission, he appeared to have accepted that he was aware it was a stolen vehicle, added Mr Dryden.

The 31-year-old defendant, of Chapel Street, Lazenby, Middlesbrough, previously also admitted dangerous driving, driving other than in accordance with the licence, and without insurance.

Andrew Turton, for Stewart, said he has a recent history of drug and alcohol misuse which has led to court appearances.

But he said the defendant has never, previously, served a full prison sentence.

Mr Turton conceded it was, “clearly a poor piece of driving”, but added that it was “short-lived” and no-one was, ultimately, injured.

Jailing him, Judge Christopher Prince said when Stewart saw the blue flashing light of the police vehicle he had the option to stop, or face a potential prison sentence if he tried to flee.

“You didn’t stop, and you will go to prison,” he added.

Stewart was also banned from driving for three years and two months.