A DANGER driver who led police on a chase with drugs in his system was spared prison after a judge heard he could be in danger behind bars following threats against his life.

Bradley Grainger refused to stop for a patrol car, and raced at more than double the speed limit around the streets of Middlesbrough on Christmas Day.

When he was caught after trying to run off from his Nissan Juke, he was found with cocaine and cannabis in his system.

Teesside Crown Court heard that six months later, he was arrested with a flick knife and a blade which was hidden inside a credit card.

Judge Stephen Ashurst told the 23-year-old that ordinarily he would be locked up, but he suspended the sentence after hearing "credible" death threats had been made against him.

Nicci Horton, mitigating, said his mother's home had been shot at, and a drugs gang was jailed for driving a 4x4 at another address linked to Grainger.

Judge Ashurst heard that prison would put Grainger at risk and suspended his 12-month sentence for two years after telling him: "I believe you will respond to leniency."

He added: "You very much fear going into custody because others will know where you are and your fears of attack will be enhanced

"If you fail to comply with the order of the court, your worst nightmare will come true and you will go straight to custody.

"Get behind the wheel of a car with drugs in your pockets and you will find yourself in Holme House quicker than you imagine. You have been given a golden opportunity."

Miss Horton said Grainger had suffered "severe paranoia and anxiety" the attacks on his relatives' homes.

She said when Grainger was arrested after driving dangerously at around 8pm on Christmas Day, he mistakenly believed that an Osman Warning issued by Cleveland Police – which warned him his life was in danger – had actually banned him from Teesside.

"He's paranoid about what might happen to him," said Ms Horton.

"Going to prison would heighten that paranoia. He feels those who have made threats against his life may find it easier to find him in there."

She said a psychiatric report had shown Grainger suffered from post-traumatic stress due to a troubled childhood, but was being helped by friends and an "incredibly supportive" grandmother, who had written to the judge to explain his problems.

Judge Ashurst imposed an order under the Contempt of Court to prevent reporting of Grainger's address.