A BANNED teenage motorist’s foolhardy driving could have put lives at risk as he tried to flee a police car, a court was told.

Reece Watson, whose girlfriend was in the passenger seat, tried to out pace a pursuing patrol car.

But the high-speed chase on the A68 through Tow Law, County Durham, and on surrounding rural roads, ended with the Volkswagen Passat overturning on a grass bank.

Durham Crown Court heard that the 19-year-old’s previous motoring offences include failing to stop after an accident and driving without due care and attention.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said Watson was still subject of a motoring ban when he was spotted driving at excessive speed on a 30mph stretch of the A68, in Tow Law, at about 6pm, on April 16.

During the pursuit that followed, he drove off at speed, ignoring a police patrol car’s siren and flashing blue lights.

Mr Sabiston said the patrol officers described the Passat overtaking up to three vehicles on the brow of a hill, at Dan’s Castle, but lost sight of it as it turned onto the B6301.

The officers eventually came across the Passat on its roof in Cornsay Colliery, between Tow Law and Lanchester . Both Watson and his passenger tried to run off, but were quickly detained by the officers.

Mr Sabiston said a motorist described having to swerve to avoid the Passat, which approached on the wrong side of the road, shortly before it mounted a grass bank and overturned.

Watson made admissions over the manner of his driving, other than the alleged overtaking on the hill.

Chris Baker, mitigating for Watson, said his client was aware of the “potential consequences” of such driving.

“The problem is he has an interest in cars and he needs help to address this behaviour,” said Mr Baker.

Watson, of Clavering Place, Stanley , County Durham, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Judge Les Spittle told Watson he drove like “a fool”, risking several people’s lives, including his own girlfriend’s life, but agreed his behaviour must be addressed.

He imposed a 12-month sentence in a young offenders’ institution, which was suspended for two years, during which time Watson must undergo probation supervision.

Watson was also made subject of a six-month electronicallymonitored home curfew, from 7pm to 7am, and was banned from driving for a further two years.