A man who threatened to stab a woman if she didn’t hand over her keys, took her car and reached 90mph while being chased down by police has been put behind bars.

Connor Atkinson also jumped red lights, and drove the wrong around two roundabouts and up the wrong side of the road.

Atkinson won’t be allowed back behind the wheel of a car until 2030 following his dangerous antics.

Read more: Police issue update on man's condition after suspected stabbing in Newton Aycliffe

The 21-year-old was loitering in a Sunderland car park at about 11pm back in June when he threatened to stab a woman unless she handed over her keys.

He then sped off in her car and led officers on a high-speed pursuit reached three times the legal speed limit in residential areas.

The careless carjacker then jumped a red light and crashed into the side of another car while on the wrong side of the road – injuring the driver before attempting to flee on foot.

The Northern Echo: Connor Atkinson, 21, of Aberdeen Tower, SunderlandConnor Atkinson, 21, of Aberdeen Tower, Sunderland (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Police managed to catch up with Atkinson, of Aberdeen Tower, Sunderland and he was detained.

He later pled guilty to a string of offences including dangerous driving, robbery and driving while disqualified.

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here 

On Thursday (November 24) he was locked up for four years with an extended license of a further two years, and banned from driving for seven-and-a-half years.

Police have now released dashcam footage showing Atkinson’s disregard for fellow road users as they pursued him through the streets of Sunderland.

The Northern Echo: Atkinson's dangerous driving was caught on camera by cops pursuing him through the streets of Sunderland.Atkinson's dangerous driving was caught on camera by cops pursuing him through the streets of Sunderland. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Detective Constable Laura Branch, of Northumbria Police, said: “There is absolutely no excuse for Atkinson’s level of offending and I am pleased that the seriousness of his crimes have been reflected with this sentence.

“He showed a total disregard for his victim, who was left terrified after he threatened violence unless she handed over her keys.

“He then proceeded to swap the registration plates with ones that had been stolen in a bid to disguise his deception.

“After rousing further suspicion and being followed by police, Atkinson then endangered the lives of other road users as he drove 68mph in a 20mph zone and up to 90mph in a 30mph limit – as well as going the wrong way around two roundabouts and jumping a series of red lights.

“His irresponsible and dangerous behaviour behind the wheel left another driver injured – with both cars written off. Quite simply, it was a miracle that nobody died as a result of his actions.

“I would like to thank his victims for their cooperation and patience throughout this case, as well as the team of officers who showed outstanding dedication to track Atkinson and ensure he was brought to justice.

Read next:

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