A JUDGE fulfilled a pledge to a young unlicensed and uninsured driver involved in a police chase on residential roads around a town.

Adrian Shay Collins was at the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf registered under what police believed was a false name, but at his address, on the A692, in The Grove, Consett, at 8.30pm, on Sunday March 29.

Durham Crown Court heard that the blue lights and siren were activated on the police vehicle but the car, containing two occupants, failed to stop and, indeed appeared to accelerate.

Jane Foley, prosecuting, said it reached 80-miles per hour on what was a 50-limit road, but continued at that speed in more residential areas with restrictions of 30mph and, “showed no sign of slowing.”

Miss Foley said: “It went over various other residential streets with no regard for speed bumps or other cars and went straight over a mini-roundabout.”

Black smoke could be seen coming from the back of the car, which was then driven off road, between a narrow gap in trees, at which point police abandoned the chase for safety reasons.

The vehicle was found abandoned in Bridgehill, Consett, and a short distance away police came across an out of breath male answering the description of a figure seen exiting via the passenger door of the Golf.

He gave a statement stating he had a terrifying experience as the passenger in a car driven by the defendant.

By 8.44pm, Collins was recognised and arrested while walking along Chaytor Road.

He denied driving and said nothing when interviewed.

But 20-year-old Collins, of Gray Terrace, Stanley, admitted charges of dangerous driving, with no insurance or licence at a previous hearing.

The court heard he has 20 convictions for 40 offences, but none for driving matters.

Miss Foley said since the commission of these offences he has received a magistrates’ community order.

Judge Ray Singh adjourned sentencing him at a previous hearing to obtain an update as to Collins’ progress on the community order. indicating if it was a positive report he may not pass an immediate custodial sentence.

Nick Peacock, for Collins, said there appears to be, “the prospect of him bucking up his ideas”, with some room for improvement.

Judge Singh noted there were still some unacceptable missed appointments.

He imposed a 14-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, during which Collins must attend 25 probation-led rehabilitation activity days.

The judge told Collins: “Me and you have now come to an agreement.

“You keep your nose clean and do all the days allocated on appointment and that will be the end of it.

“If you don’t, me and you will meet again and it will be 14-months in custody.”

Collins was also banned from driving for 18 months.