AN uninsured driver using a vehicle borrowed from a friend panicked when he became aware he was being followed by a dark BMW car, a court heard.

Daniel Richardson, who was already travelling slightly above the speed limit, “put his foot down hard on the accelerator” to try to pull clear of the pursuing car.

Durham Crown Court was told Richardson feared the BMW was being driven by “individuals who had it in for him”, and so proceeded to drive in a dangerous manner.

In reality, however, the BMW was an unmarked police vehicle which began to follow the Leon due to the speed it was travelling.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said the Leon was seen on Salter’s Lane, Shotton Colliery, but as it sped east towards Peterlee, it brushed past another vehicle causing minor damage.

It carried on, at speed, approaching a roundabout at the junction with the A19, where Richardson tried to squeeze down the middle of two rows of traffic.

Mr Baker said other vehicles were damaged in the process, including a new registration plate car which was in the process of being delivered.

It then passed through a red light, narrowly missing oncoming traffic, before mounting a verge off Burnhope Way, where the Leon became stuck on grass near the Moorcock pub.

Richardson abandoned the car, and fled on foot, pursued by officers from the BMW.

He was eventually tracked down and arrested at the home of a friend.

Although he made no reply to initial questioning, he made admissions when interviewed later.

Richardson told police the Leon belonged to someone he knew, who allowed him to use it, which was later verified.

He claimed he had not been aware it was a police vehicle, despite the blue lights being illuminated midway through the chase, but conceded the manner of his driving was of a poor standard.

Richardson, 26, of Cummings Square, Wingate, admitted dangerous driving, without insurance, arising from the incident at about 10.45am on February 4.

Andrew Teate, for Richardson, said on seeing the big black 4x4 vehicle behind, the defendant “panicked” fearing the people it may contain.

But Mr Teate pointed out that the incident lasted only about three-and-a-half minutes, from start to finish, and it was the defendant’s first driving offence.

Jailing him for nine months, Judge Christopher Prince also banned Richardson from the roads for 16 months and two weeks, while he must also sit an extended re-test to enable him to drive in future.