A DANGEROUS driver led police on a three-mile, high-speed chase near Bishop Auckland this week, only stopping when police burst his tyres.

Lee Anthony Chapman, of River Walk, Bishop Auckland, admitted charges of dangerous driving, having no insurance, driving while disqualified and handling stolen goods, when he appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe.

He appeared in the custody dock to enter his pleas.

The court heard that when police tried to stop him, he led them on a chase at up to 70mph in a 40mph limit, and 60mph in a 30mph limit, along roads between High Etherley and Bishop Auckland.

During the chase on Wednesday night, he also veered on to the grass verge and drove over traffic islands as he attempted to get away from pursuing police cars.

Prosecuting, Paul Doney said: “A Ford Mondeo was reported stolen in a burglary on the 12th of March.

“On 15th March a police officer saw a Ford Mondeo passing. He followed it along Leazes Lane and to a T-junction, and travelling along there until the vehicle turned left to a farm, passing the Bay Horse pub.

“He pulled behind the vehicle, stopped, and was aware of other officers ahead.

“Then started a police chase of approximately three miles. The vehicle was seen mounting the grass verge, driving over a set of cross roads without slowing down despite several vehicles wanting to turn right.

“He only stopped once the tyres on the vehicle had been deflated by a police stinger.”

A police “stinger” is a spike strip used to stop vehicles by puncturing their tyres, allowing air to escape slowly to reduce the risk of the driver crashing.

Mr Doney said Chapman’s last conviction was in August last year for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent an, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Chapman’s solicitor John Clish did not make an application for bail for the 23-year-old, who due to his earlier convictions is banned from driving until at least the year 2021.

District Judge Martin Walker said he would be committed to the Crown Court for sentence, as he felt the sentencing powers of the magistrates court were not sufficient. Chapman will appear at Durham Crown Court for sentence on April 18. He was remanded in custody.