A PROLIFIC criminal led police on a high-speed chase through Weardale within weeks of being released from prison, a court heard.

Simon McPhee, of Darlington, pleaded guilty to eight charges, including aggravated vehicle taking, theft, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified and two counts of stealing cars. He told police he stole cars to pay off drug debts.

In the summer, the 20-year-old was arrested after a chase through Weardale in a Vauxhall Corsa he stole from Darlington, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He was spotted by police at about 5am on August 1 as he drove through St John's Chapel, at speeds in excess of 50mph. The banned driver then raced through Westgate and Eastgate before losing control of the car in Frosterley. The arresting officer described McPhee's driving as extremely dangerous.

McPhee admitted to police breaking into another car and stealing binoculars and a tool kit. He also admitted stealing a Vauxhall Astra.

He was released on bail, but was caught in another stolen car driving through Weardale in October.

David Lamb, mitigating, said McPhee had "sung like a canary" to police. He added: "He was told by the drug dealer that he was to go out and steal motor vehicles to give to him so he could sell them on and the debt would be cleared."

Judge John Walford ordered McPhee to finish the 50 days outstanding on his licence and sentenced him to three years in a young offenders' institute. He also received a five-year driving ban.

He told McPhee: "It is about time you decided to change your behaviour or you will just go on and on committing offences and getting longer sentences."