A DANGEROUS driver who put lives at risk during a terrifying 30-minute pursuit has been convicted.

Reece Bannister, 19, held a provisional licence and had no insurance when he failed to stop for officers on the evening of November 11.

The reckless motorist tore along roads in Jarrow, Hebburn and Gateshead at high speeds, ignoring red lights and travelling 18 miles before a police stinger brought his Vauxhall Corsa to an abrupt stop.

His antics behind the wheel sparked a large police response which included the Force’s helicopter as officers looked to stop the vehicle without causing any injury to other motorists.

Bannister, of Northbourne Road, Jarrow, refused to cooperate with police in interview but later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence and having no insurance.

Magistrates heard Bannister spotted a marked police vehicle on Bede Burn Road in Jarrow shortly before 11.30pm on November 11.

He then drove through a series of red lights, darting down residential streets at speeds of up to 90mph, and even turned his headlights off at one stage in a bid to escape capture.

He went on to clock 100mph on the A1 before leaving the carriageway near Chester-le-Street.

After tracking his movements from the sky, police used a stinger device to bring Bannister’s Corsa to a stop.

He appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on December 4 and admitted all offences.

Bannister will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on January 3.