A JUDGE has fulfilled his pledge not to jail a motorist involved in a 100mph police pursuit after he kept his side of the bargain by keeping out of trouble for three months.

Jordan Stoker left Durham Crown Court in April having been told he may escape a custodial sentence by not only avoiding committing further offences, but also by keeping off drugs, trying to remain in work and saving £400 towards case costs.

Stoker, 22, of Lambton Street, Shildon, was before the court for dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance and while over the prescribed limit for drugs, all offences he admitted.

The court heard it arose from a police chase after he was spotted at the wheel of Vauxhall Astra with up to three passengers, in Church Street, Shildon, at 1.15am on February 18, last year.

Stoker sped through the town centre and onto the A689, reaching speeds above 100 miles per hour, shot straight over junctions and narrowly missed an oncoming car as he was overtaking, before being arrested on Hackworth Industrial Estate. He tested positive test for cocaine.

On Stoker’s return to court, Mr Jandoo told Judge Hickey: “He’s trying to turn his life around and has attempted to keep his side of the bargain.”

Judge Hickey told Stoker: “I took an unusual course and took a chance to see if you could abide by my decisions.

“Your driving was appalling, but you promised you could comply with what I said, and you have done."

He passed a ten-month suspended jail sentence, 80 hours' unpaid work and banned Stoker from driving for 18 months.