A man has denied offences arising from a half-hour police chase on the A1(M) in County Durham last month.

Keenan Flowers is suspected of driving a Ford Transit van in a dangerous manner on the A1(M) and failing to stop for police late on Wednesday, August 10.

The van was said to have collided with a central reserve after crossing a police-laid stinger device to deflate the tyres.

Upon being detained the defendant, who is accused of being disqualified from driving and having no insurance, is alleged to have spat at one of the arresting officers.

Read more: County Durham man jailed for causing 90 mph A1(M) death crash

Appearing via video link from HMP Doncaster at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, the 34-year-old defendant, of Sharrow, in Sheffield, denied dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance, plus assaulting an emergency worker.

It is understood the defendant denies being the driver of the van during the incident, or of being in the clothing the driver was described as wearing at the time.

The case was adjourned for a trial at the court to start on Tuesday, November 2.

Judge James Adkin remanded the defendant to remain in custody until the trial and told him he needs to help his lawyers to prepare his defence statement to be submitted by October 28.

Read next:

Lorry driver's apology for killing three in A1(M) crash in County Durham

Banned driver went wrong way down the A1(M) in County Durham

Judge slams 'despicable' driver in County Durham A1(M) crash

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here