A BANNED driver was caught twice in eight months with the second offence being filmed by his former partner.

The disqualified driver was also over the legal limit on the first occasion and in possession of cocaine both times, Teesside Crown Court heard.

On the first occasion, Lee Poole's car was heard coming at speed by a police officer parked on a sliproad onto the A66 near Stockton and when he was asked to pull over he sped off instead.

The 35-year-old took officers on a high speed chase through Thornaby at speeds of up to 90mph as tried to evade capture in his VW Golf at around 4.50pm on October 12 last year.

He was eventually caught after attempting to abandon his car in a residential area.

Harry Hadfield, prosecuting, said Poole was above the prescribed alcohol limit for drink driving at the time.

The second time he was arrested was in June this year, when he was filmed driving his van while his former partner was in the passenger seat.

Mr Hadfield said the footage showed the defendant sending texts and making calls whilst also being banned from the roads.

Poole, 35, of Badminton Close, Darlington, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, two driving whilst disqualified, drink driving, driving whilst on a hand-held device, two possession of cocaine and two no insurance charges.

Amrit Jandoo, in mitigation, said his client had struggled with alcohol and drug misuse during the break up of his relationship with his former partner.

He added: "He accepts that he put other road users, his girlfriend and himself in harms way."

Judge Stephen Ashurst jailed the carpet fitter for a total of 12 months for all of the offences.

"It was sheer good luck that nobody was injured and no damage was caused," he said.

"You haven't learnt from previous mistakes and the only option that I have is to pass a custodial sentence."

Poole was banned from driving for three and a half years.