A YOUNG uninsured driver led police on a pursuit on roads around a town before abandoning the vehicle and walking away on foot.

Appearing at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, 20-year-old Adrian Shay Collins admitted dangerous driving, driving without insurance and while not licensed.

The charges arose from a near-quarter of an hour chase which took place after Collins failed to stop for police on request on the A692, in the Grove, Consett, at 8.30pm, on March 29.

Patrol officers, who responded to information that the black Volkswagen Golf was being used illegally, continued the chase on roads in the Consett area, taking in Blackhill and Shotley Bridge.

The pursuit was aborted in Alston Terrace, Bridgehill, but the vehicle was located in nearby Backstone Road, while Collins was recognised and arrested while walking along Chaytor Road.

A passenger identified Collins as the driver and despite a “no comment” interview, he put in his guilty pleas at the crown court hearing.

Nick Peacock, for Collins, said he had just begun a community order, imposed by magistrates for other offences, in late May, and it may assist to receive feedback from the Probation Service as to his response.

Judge Ray Singh agreed to adjourn for an update on his progress on that order, but said he was making no promises as to the ultimate sentence and Collins’ chance of retaining his liberty.

Collins, of Gray Terrace, Stanley, was bailed to return for sentence on October 1.