A YOUNG uninsured motorist who led police on a chase round streets near his home was told he is likely to face an immediate prison sentence.

The warning was given to Tyla Jay Jackson by a judge at Durham Crown Court after the 23-year-old defendant put in guilty pleas to a series of charges arising from the pursuit on neighbouring roads and streets, in the former pit village of Murton.

Jackson was at the wheel of a Jaguar X-Type to which police gave chase on Wednesday August 9 this year.

During the daylight pursuit, which passed through George Street, West Coronation Street, Western Terrace and Warnebrook Avenue, the Jaguar was at one point said to be on only two wheels.

It culminated with Jackson abandoning the car in Warnebrook Avenue, before making off on foot.

Judge Simon Hickey said this was an aggravating feature of the case, which may have a bearing on the ultimate sentence.

Appearing at the plea hearing at the court, Jackson, of Warnebrook Avenue, admitted charges of dangerous driving, being the driver of a car who failed to stop for police in uniform, and driving without insurance.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said it may be a case which could proceed to sentence on the day, given the pleas.

But, Liam O’Brien, for Jackson, told the court that the defendant is a man who suffers from “fairly serious” mental health difficulties.

He said Jackson, who has kept out of trouble for the last four years, also has current issues in his domestic life as his partner gave birth to their second child, on Sunday afternoon.

Mr O’Brien asked for a delay in sentencing, in part to allow for the preparation of a psychiatric report on his client to assess the extent of his mental health problems.

Once the psychiatric assessment is drawn up, the Probation Service will be asked to produce a report when Jackson returns to court for sentencing, next month.

Judge Hickey agreed to adjourn to allow the reports to be prepared prior to the sentencing hearing, but he added: “You must realise in doing so, I’m making absolutely no promises at all.

“I would be duty bound to say that he does face the risk of immediate custody.

“That is the practice in this court when there is a police pursuit, and, given that he leaves the vehicle, as well.”

He bailed Jackson to return for sentence on October 23, but imposed an interim driving disqualification, the exact length of which will be confirmed at the sentencing hearing.