A MAN arrested while armed with a knife on a journey to pay off a prison debt is back behind bars.

Daniel Walmsley, 25, was jailed for 28 months for offences committed while driving through Chester-le-Street to make the repayment.

Durham Crown Court heard that police spotted his speeding Renault Clio, on Newcastle Road, at 11.05pm on December 4.

Officers followed and came across the stationary Clio on a zebra crossing on Front Street, where the driver was speaking to two pedestrians.

Penny Bottomley, prosecuting, said seeing the police car, Walmsley turned the Clio, knocking over one of the pedestrians, and drove off down Front Street,.

The injured man managed to get to his feet, but refused to assist police inquiries.

Two police vehicles took up the pursuit of the Clio, which turned into Blind Lane, where Walmsley came to a halt and fled on foot.

He was caught by police in neighbouring Camperdown Avenue, and was found to be wearing a stab-proof vest, while a large black hunting knife was found in a sheath in one of his socks.

Miss Bottomley said he appeared heavily intoxicated, but refused to give a breath sample at a police station.

Walmsley, of Broadmeadows, Fatfield, Washington, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, no insurance, failing to provide a breath specimen, and possessing a bladed article.

Adam Birkby, mitigating, said due to the reputation of the people he was going to meet, Walmsley wore the stab-vest and took the knife for protection, if needed.

But, Mr Birkby added that it was not produced, while the police pursuit was of a relatively short nature and was soon abandoned.

Jailing him, Judge Simon Hickey told Walmsley: “There’s absolutely no reason, in my belief, that in this country, anyone needs to be carrying such a weapon.”

Walmsley was also banned from driving for three years on his release from prison.