A JUDGE repeated his five-word warning to drivers who ignore police sirens and blue lights on a county’s roads: “Stop, or go to prison.”

The message was given by Judge Christopher Prince, the Honorary Judicial Recorder of Durham, to a banned motorist who led police on a pursuit in and around a village in the county.

Making his first appearance in the case, at Durham Crown Court, Jonathan Liddle admitted driving a Nissan Almera dangerously on School Avenue, the A177 and other roads in Coxhoe, near Durham.

Twenty-three-year-old Liddle also pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, and without insurance, on the A177 in Coxhoe, in the same incident, on Sunday August 2.

Judge Prince said he would order preparation of a report, but following the guilty pleas would remand the defendant in custody. Christopher McKee, for Liddle, had requested bail to be continued up to sentence.

“There are substantial grounds to remand him in custody as he’s already ignored a court order,” said Judge Prince.

Addressing Liddle, the judge said: “You have admitted driving dangerously and engaging in a police chase.

“If this case is reported in the local media I hope the headline will consist of five words: ‘Stop, or go to prison.’

“As the Recorder of Durham I have to protect the people of Durham.

“Those who engage in police chases endanger lives and put welfare at risk.

“There’s only one way I can protect the public from such drivers and that’s by passing deterrent sentences.

“You have never been to prison before, but you are now and you will receive a custodial sentence in due course.”

Liddle, of New Row, Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, will be sentenced at the court, via video link from prison, on September 18.