A MAN who attempted to flee after overturning his partner’s car on a roundabout was caught by an off-duty police officer, a court has heard.

Kenneth Stephen Brown pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence or insurance and possessing amphetamine when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Joanne Hesse said Brown , 33, of Douthwaite Road, in Bishop Auckland, took his partner’s VW Golf without her permission on May 6 and was seen aggressively overtaking vehicles shortly before the crash on the A6072 near Shildon at about 3pm.

She said Brown had got out of bed at lunchtime on that day and took the keys to his partner’s car.

Ms Hesse said he had already been seen crossing double white lines to illegally overtake vehicles before losing control at a roundabout next to Shildon.

The court heard that the car, which had cost Brown’s partner £1,000, suffered extensive damage after ending up on its roof.

Brown was thrown from the car before it landed and attempted to flee the scene, the court heard.

Ms Hesse said an off-duty police officer was passing at the time and apprehended Brown until his colleagues arrived.

The court heard that Brown has a £20 a day addiction to amphetamine, although there was no evidence to show he was under the influence at the time of the accident.

Brown was given unconditional bail to reappear at the court on June 13 for sentencing.

He was given an interim driving disqualification in the meantime.