A MOTORING menace with more than 200 previous convictions has been spared jail.

Paul Jackson's sentence was deferred for three months after judge Peter Armstrong heard he was turning his life around.

Former drug addict Jackson, 29, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and without insurance on June 12.

But his barrister, John Gillette, who admitted his criminal record was "appalling", said the birth of his first child has made Jackson quit his ten-year drug habit and turn his back on crime.

Judge Armstrong ordered Jackson, of Woodville Avenue, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, to continue with drug treatment and testing until he returns to Teesside Crown Court in three months.

But he warned him: "You must not re-offend. If you do, that's it, I'm afraid. I know you were expecting custody, but you had better take this opportunity or you will be back here and go away."

Jackson was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended test when his ban is over.

The court heard how police pursued him as he raced at speeds of up to 90mph in a 40mph zone in Middlesbrough in a stolen Rover Metro.

The car, taken from Guisborough, was abandoned, but officers recognised Jackson, and arrested him at home.

Jackson, who asked for an offence of interfering with a vehicle on June 14 to be taken into consideration, has 47 previous convictions for driving while disqualified, 45 for taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and three for dangerous driving.

Mr Gillette said: "He is a man overcoming his addiction for the first time who is anxious to take up his responsibilities."