A MAN arrested after a police chase in car and on foot, across a golf course, was yesterday (Wednesday June 5) warned he is facing a prison sentence of about 19 months.

It follows ‘guilty’ pleas by defendant John Thomas Campbell to charges of dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and attempted theft, all of which he previously denied.

He also admitted a further charge of driving with excess alcohol.

Durham Crown Court heard that Campbell was at the wheel of a Vauxhall Vectra, stolen following a burglary at the owner’s home in Stockton, on February 3 last year.

It was pursued by a police patrol car following the report of an attempted theft of a Nissan vehicle from outside a house in Newton Hall, Durham, on February 5.

The car chase, on the A690 at Langley Moor, near Durham, ended with the Vectra being abandoned not far from the Stonebridge pub.

A pursuit then followed on foot, over Durham City Golf Club course, at Langley Moor, and onto the nearby Littleburn Industrial Estate, before Campbell and two passengers from the car were arrested.

Campbell provided a positive breath test, more than double the drink drive limit (75mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath, compared to limit of 35).

Asked to give an indication of the likely sentence, Recorder Peter Makepeace said one of about 19 months would appear to be appropriate in the circumstances.

But, sentence was adjourned after defence barrister Paul Currer asked for preparation of background reports on the defendant by both the Probation Service and a psychiatrist.

Campbell, 45, of Osbourne Street, Fulwell, Sunderland, was bailed to return for sentence on a date to be fixed in about six weeks.