A YOUNG unlicensed motorist, who had taken amphetamines, tried to outrun pursuing police cars, a court heard.

But, John George Middleton’s bid to escape the traffic officers failed when his Vauxhall Vectra car was blocked in by the patrol vehicles, using a “box” manoeuvre, shortly after leaving the A19, heading towards his home town of Seaham.

Durham Crown Court heard that he tried to ram the police cars immediately in front and to his side.

Rachael Brown, prosecuting, said a police driver described, “a violent hit” to his car, causing a total £3,149 damage.

Middleton failed to break free and came to a halt , emerging to confirm he had no insurance or licence.

He said he earlier took amphetamines, and white powder found in a bag was later confirmed as the class B drug.

Miss Brown said police followed the Vectra as it was seen weaving across the A181, at 5am on March 10.

It turned onto the A19, where other police cars followed as it again crossed from one lane to another.

When questioned, Middleton, aged 21 at the time, admitted the drugs were his, but made no further comment.

Miss Brown said while on bail, he broke into takeaway premises in Seaham, taking £70 from the till, on March 27.

Middleton, now 22, of Ryton Crescent, Seaham, admitted burglary, dangerous driving, plus no insurance or licence.

The court heard his record of 39 offences, includes a range of crimes, from aggravated vehicle taking to burglary.

Martin Scarborough, for Middleton, said the police pursuit was not over a great distance and was not as prolonged or dangerous as some such cases coming before courts.

Imposing a 16-month prison sentence, Judge Simon Hickey banned Middleton from driving for two years on his release, and also ordered him to pay the takeaway owner £850 compensation.