A BANNED driver rammed a police van in an attempt to escape because he had been drinking, a court heard.

Paul Harland was given a nine-month prison sentence, but had already served the equivalent while on remand.

Judge Peter Armstrong also disqualified the 22-year-old for a further three years and ordered him to take an extended driving test before being allowed back on the roads.

Harland, of Bailey Rise, Peterlee, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, without insurance and failing to provide a breath sample.

Judge Armstrong told him: "These offences are so serious only custody can be justified for them."

Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday how police tried to stop Harland in his G-reg Ford Escort shortly after midnight on October 15 last year after he drove through a red light.

But he raced off at speeds of up to 50mph through Church Street, Tower Street and Musgrave Walk, near Hartlepool town centre.

Elaine Farnsworth, prosecuting, told the court that a number of cars and pedestrians were nearby but Harland sped over junctions without stopping. The car finally came to a dead-end, but Harland drove around in circles before mounting a pavement and ploughing into a tree.

Ms Farnsworth said the police van pulled up behind the hatchback to wedge it in, and an officer had to use CS spray when Harland refused to turn off the engine and get out the car.

Instead, he repeatedly reversed into it until he made a big enough gap to escape before again driving over junctions without stopping.

Police called off their chase, but soon after saw a light on in a nearby house and heard Harland tell a pal: "I've been sprayed".

Harland was said to be unable to stand and incoherent, and when he was arrested he refused to take part in a breath test, later saying he had a wheezy chest, pleurisy and asthma.

The court heard how Harland had previous convictions for driving with excess alcohol, without insurance, while disqualified, resisting a police officer , and failing to provide a breath sample.

Judge Armstrong ordered the confiscation of the car.