A DANGEROUS driver with a string of previous convictions was given the maximum prison sentence by a judge for his latest police pursuit.

Simon Paul Faulkner narrowly avoided crashing with other cars and pedestrians when he drove at speeds of up to 50mph in Seaham, last October.

The 33-year-old appeared at Durham Crown Court by videolink after being held in custody since the incident.

Chris Wood, prosecuting, told Judge Christopher Prince, that officers had initially attended reports of a domestic incident and noticed a Citroen Saxo parked outside the address.

Shortly afterwards, they saw the Saxo, and attempted to stop the car but it drove off, narrowly avoiding other drivers.

About 30 minutes later, another two officers saw the car, being driven by Faulkner, slowly approaching their police car.

Mr Wood said Faulkner accelerated towards the police car before mounting the pavement and driving off.

The officers followed and recorded Faulkner, of Ryton Crescent, Seaham, driving at more than 40mph in 30mph zones and ignoring a give way sign and traffic lights.

He then reached speeds of up to 50mph and other road users had to take "evasive action" to prevent a crash.

Faulkner then mounted the pavement and fled the vehicle with his passenger before being caught at about 9.45am.

The court was told the pursuit lasted no more than ten minutes but aggravating factors included the fact it had taken place in a built up area, especially as it had passed a primary school.

Faulkner pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge of dangerous driving, but changed his plea shortly before his trial was due to take place.

In mitigation, the court was told the pursuit was "relatively short" and that he was not under the influence of drink or drugs at the time.

However, Judge Prince said Faulkner's long list of "very serious" convictions was an aggravating factor.

He handed him a 24-month prison sentence, reduced to 20 months to take into account his guilty plea.

He said: "Unusually in your case I'm going to take the maximum statutory sentencing powers I have for the dangerous driving."

He also banned him for driving for three years and five months and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.