A BANNED driver who rammed a police car following a chase has been jailed for eight months.

James Rowland got behind the wheel after arguing with his mother and storming out of her house to see his girlfriend.

But instead of making the five-minute journey on foot, he took a van which was parked on the drive, a court heard.

When police tried to stop him in Darlington, he sped off, went through red lights, almost hit a taxi and finally reversed into the patrol car.

The 27-year-old has 59 offences on his record, and had been released from his latest prison sentence just four months before the incident on October 7.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Rowland's record is littered with motoring crimes, and contains a number for disqualified driving.

Nigel Soppitt, mitigating, said: "He is very disappointed with himself bearing in mind his girlfriend lives five minutes away and he could have walked.

"His last action, he says, was pure frustration, reversing into the police vehicle. He was annoyed at the fact his girlfriend and children down again. He was deeply disappointed with the way he reacted.

Rowland, of Dickinson Street, Darlington, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance. A fresh two-year ban was imposed.