A MAN alleged to have run into a house after being involved in a high-speed police chase, has denied being the driver involved.

Rhys Stobbart was arrested at an address in South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, following the pursuit a short time earlier on July 12, last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that despite being banned from driving, it was suspected he had been at the wheel of a Vauxhall Vectra, involved in a chase with police from the B6313 Bluehouse Bank, at Hett Hills, near Chester-le-Street, then onto the A693, Pelton Lane, ending on various residential streets in South Pelaw.

Appearing at a plea hearing at the court, the 25-year-old defendant, of Orwell Gardens, Stanley, denied dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

The court was told there was identification evidence of him entering the address in South Pelaw from where he was arrested.

Louise Harrison, prosecuting, said there was police body-worn camera footage.

But, his barrister, Shaun Routledge, said his client claimed he was not the driver of the Vectra and said there was a 20-minute gap between him entering the house and police arriving to arrest him.

“He has been given advice in this case and he’s adamant he was not the driver,” added Mr Routledge.

Judge James Adkin, therefore, adjourned for a trial and said it would be up to the jury to decide the issue.

The defendant was bailed to the Stanley address until the hearing, which is scheduled to start at the court on June 8.