A MAN has denied being at the wheel of a car during a police pursuit, which ended with a foot chase before his arrest at a friend’s house.

Shaun Whittaker claims to have been one of two passengers in the Skoda Fabia during the chase with police, on several roads in and around Shildon, on February 18, but claims he was not the driver.

The defendant, who is 30 and of Brusselton View, Bishop Auckland, denied a charge of dangerous driving.

Co-accused Andrew Jones also appeared at the plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, having twice subsequently told police in interview that he was driving the car during the chase.

The 33-year-old, of St Philips Close, Auckland Park, denies doing acts tending or intended to pervert the course of justice.

Both were bailed to return for trial, on April 18, possibly with a third defendant, who is also accused of perverting the course of justice, by claiming to have been a passenger during the chase.

Her case has yet to be sent to the crown court by South Durham magistrates.