A YOUNG burglar, who also led police on a high-speed car chase, “went off the rails” following a relationship split.

Durham Crown Court heard that Callum Michael Grice, described as a cocaine addict, at a recent hearing, left victims of his break-ins with an unwanted “calling card”, as he also vandalised their property, throwing around food and other items.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, told the court the first offence in the spree was one of dangerous driving, on September 18, last year.

Mr Sabiston said a police on mobile patrol spotted a Peugeot 307, containing five occupants, being driven suspiciously in Malvern Crescent, Seaham.

“The officer illuminated his blue lights, and, what followed, was a lengthy pursuit towards Easington Village, during which the car reached speeds of 100-miles per hour.”

The Peugeot was driven at speed down residential streets where children were playing, flouted ‘no entry’ signs and drove the wrong way round a roundabout, before hitting a lamppost.

Mr Sabiston said Grice was arrested after being found trying to hide behind a wall.

“He initially denied involvement, but was unable to explain when his DNA was found on the driver’s airbag.”

Mr Sabiston said Grice also committed three burglaries in the Willington and Crook area, including at the Fir Tree pub, in August.

“During that offence he carried out an untidy search of the property, which is a feature of the burglaries, before stealing cash, and a safe which he removed from the premises in a wheelbarrow.”

The second burglary was at a house in Commercial Street, Willington, when the owner was absent, in which foodstuffs were also thrown around and a tv set plus a bouncy castle were taken.

Cigarettes and cash were taken in the third break-in, at a flat above commercial premises.

Grice, of Margaret Street, Seaham, admitted all three burglaries, driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

Glenn Gatland, mitigating, said Grice, “went off the rails,” following a relationship break-up.

“His life was out of control, he was living rough and taking drugs. Since being remanded, he has shown signs of wanting to get his life back on track on his release.”

Passing a 38-month sentence in a young offenders’ institution, Judge Christopher Prince told him but for his young age it would have been longer.

Grice was also banned from driving for 31 months.