A BANNED young motorist drove off erratically at high speed in built-up public areas after being spotted at the wheel of a car by a police patrol, a court heard yesterday.

Robert Glasper, 21, who had been drinking, drove at speeds of up to 70mph, posing a risk to pedestrians, while trying to shake off a pursuing police vehicle on a seven-minute chase in Chester-le-Street.

The incident began when he was seen with three passengers in a Ford Escort car driving in West Lane, The Avenue and Waldridge Road, shortly before 8.45 one even-ing in August.

Durham Crown Court heard that as police illuminated their vehicle's "Stop" sign, Glasper sped into Oakerside Terrace, drove the wrong way along Clarence Terrace, and then zig-zagged at 50mph in Front Street.

Miriam Towers, prosecuting, said pedestrians had to jump clear of the vehicle. Moving into a nearby back lane, the car reached 70mph, in an area where children were playing.

The pursuit ended in Gainford, when Glasper drove onto a children's play area, colliding with a piece of play equipment.

Miss Towers said Glasper fled the car and ran towards some bushes, but was arrested. He smelled strongly of drink and when later questioned admitted having been drinking before driving.

The court heard Glasper has a number of previous motoring offences on his record.

Glasper, of Twelfth Avenue, Chester-le-Street, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to provide a breath test.

Euan Duff, in mitigation, handed in references to the court and said that since the incident Glasper has been in custody.

"There's no doubt custody has brought him up sharp," said Mr Duff. "This is his first time in an adult prison and it's often said the first time in custody has the most effect."

Mr Duff said that should he be released there was work awaiting Glasper, in the form of a job offer.

But, in jailing him for 12 months, Recorder William Hirst told Glasper: "This was an appalling sequence of driving through highly populated areas, with many members of the public being put at risk.

"You have a bad record and it has to be custody."

He also banned Glasper from driving for three years.