A BANNED motorist was jailed for twice driving dangerously round residential roads and terraced streets of a coastal community.

Despite his driving disqualification, James Michael Holden was at the wheel of Audi and BMW vehicles in police pursuits in Peterlee, Horden and on the nearby A1086 Coast Road, on May 29, 2019, and April 17 this year.

Durham Crown Court heard that in the first incident police noticed the Audi had a faulty light and attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Holden reversed away and narrowly avoided a collision, causing the officers to fear he would ram their vehicle.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said a high-speed chase followed in which Holden caused near collisions, taking corners and bends in a dangerous fashion, before the Audi became embedded into a wall, causing £2,500 worth of damage.

Holden bit one officer and tried to bite another, pushing him to the ground, in an escape bid.

When he was detained the defendant was found to be in possession of amphetamines.

Miss Lamballe said the most recent chase arose after police attention was drawn to the BMW driven at speed by Holden in a 30-mph zone.

It began at five-minute pursuit in which Holden drove onto the wrong side of road before getting out of sight of the officers.

They later relocated the car and went to Holden’s home address, where he was found hiding in the loft area.

Once more he resisted police,causing an injury to one of the officers involved.

He also refused to give the officers a blood specimen for analysis to check if he was driving under the influence of drink or other substances.

Holden, 34, of Hazel Terrace, Shotton Colliery, admitted two counts each of dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified, and possessing a class B drug, four offences of assaulting an emergency worker, and one of failing to provide a specimen for police.

Jane Waugh, in mitigation, said the defendant, had a difficult upbringing and was an early drug and drink user.

She said he has made “unwise choices” in the past and needs to address his mental health issues.

Judge Ray Singh said Holden’s record is “littered” with motoring offences, adding that it was only “good fortune” he was not answering for more serious offences due to the manner of his driving.

He imposed a 26-month prison sentence and banned Holden from driving for four years and one month.