AN unlicensed and uninsured motorist panicked on seeing a police vehicle as he was at the wheel of a car which he was not permitted to drive.

Mitchell Boulton went on to lead police on a lengthy chase, driving in what a court was told was, “a disgraceful manner”.

Durham Crown Court heard that although Boulton owned the Vauxhall Corsa it was only insured to drive in his girlfriend’s name.

When a police patrol vehicle came upon the car, being driven by 25-year-old Boulton in Peterlee, on Thursday May 7, he ignored requests to stop.

Kevin Ross, prosecuting, said although the pursuit went from Peterlee to nearby Shotton Colliery, it took in several residential streets on the way.

Mr Ross said Boulton made dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, cut corners and ignored traffic signals.

Having made an emergency stop he tried to flee on foot, but he was chased and caught by an officer.

The court heard that although police suspected he was under the influence of alcohol or some other substance, Boulton was not over the legal limit when breathalysed.

The 25-year-old, of Dunelm Place, Shotton Colliery, admitted dangerous driving, no insurance and driving other than in accordance with the licence.

Martin Scarborough, mitigating, told the court the defendant "panicked" at the presence of the police.

Although he accepted the offences crossed the custody threshold, he asked for the sentence to be suspended.

Recorder Sophie Drake told Boulton: “On May 7 this year you involved yourself in driving in a disgraceful manner, putting members of the public, the police and, indeed, yourself, in danger.

“It wasn’t a short chase and was made substantially worse by the fact you have convictions for driving in a similar manner.

But I have read the pre-sentence report and it outlines you have poor decision-making, and you have had some mental health difficulties.

“I also note you pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I’m pleased to read that you are taking steps to curb your drinking.

“I’m therefore prepared to suspend sentence, but with still some level of punishment.”

She passed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with a probation-supervised rehabilitation requirement for 25 days and a six-month 8pm to 6am electronically-monitored curfew.

He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay court and case costs totalling £620.