A MOTORING menace who led police on a 100mph chase has been jailed for nine months.

Graham Lawton - who has eight previous convictions for driving while disqualified - was also banned from the roads for three years and ordered to take an extended driving test.

Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday how the 27-year-old sped past a children's play area, in a 30mph zone, at 70mph during the pursuit last August.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said the chase started when police pulled up alongside two men getting out of a Peugeot in Main Street, in the Close House area of Bishop Auckland.

The men jumped back into the car and it was put into reverse before it sped away with the wheels spinning and smoke coming from the tyres, said Mr Dryden.

The passenger jumped from the car, leaving the door swinging open, as it headed towards Coundon Grange where it crossed the path of oncoming vehicles and through a give way sign.

Lawton abandoned the car after shaking off the police car, but was arrested two months later hiding in a house near his home.

He admitted the offences of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Judge George Moorhouse told Lawton, of South Row, Eldon: "You have an appalling record for driving offences and the time has now come for you to change."