A vulnerable man who was exploited by more sophisticated criminals found himself before a judge after speeding off on a motorbike when police were looking for another suspect.

Lewis Taylor panicked when the officers activated their blue lights and rode off at speed in an attempt to evade capture, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 21-year-old reached speeds in excess of 70mph in a 30mph zone as he tried to shake off the pursuing police as he raced through the streets of Norton, near Stockton.

Jon Harley, prosecuting, said the defendant raced off along Norton Road before heading onto Greylands Avenue and then through a cut onto Albany Rad where the bike appeared to cut out.

Read more: Two people in court in connection with the death of County Durham toddler

Police caught up with Taylor and wrestled him to the ground after he refused to get off the stalled bike.

Mr Harley said officers found a large meat clever tucked in his waistband along with a small amount of crack cocaine and cannabis when they searched him.

Taylor, of Smailes Close, Norton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with a licence, driving with no insurance, possession of a meat cleaver, possession of crack cocaine and possession of cannabis.

Emma Williams, mitigating, said her client was a vulnerable man who was homeless at the time of the offence on June 28 last year.

She added: “He has been exploited by more sophisticated individuals.”

Read next:

Judge Howard Crowson sentenced Taylor to a two-year community order telling him that it would benefit him more than a short prison sentence or a suspended sentence.

“You will be better served by a community order and we will be better served by you doing it,” he said.

Taylor was ordered to attend 48 rehabilitation activity requirement days and banned from driving for 12-months.