A YOUNG unlicensed motorist was jailed over what a judge labelled “a prolonged piece of bad driving”.

Bilal Havid, 21, was at the wheel of a Mercedes E Class saloon spotted driving at speed twice round a mini-roundabout on a rural road, shortly after midnight on February 21.

Durham Crown Court heard that police patrol car officers illuminated its flashing lights and activated the siren as the Mercedes was driven at speed from the Castle Dene roundabout, towards Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said the car briefly drove into a care home car park, before accelerating up to 60-miles per hour on 30-limit roads in residential areas of Great Lumley.

It took a roundabout in the wrong direction and headed towards Chester-le-Street, where other motorists had to take evasive action as the Mercedes travelled on the wrong side of the road. One officer estimated it reached 90-mph in another 30-limit area.

Due to concerns over the manner of driving, the Mercedes was allowed to get away, but, a short time later, it was found abandoned, with its engine still running, having crashed into a wall in Hopgarth Gardens, Chester-le-Street.

The court heard Havid has a number of motoring convictions, including dangerous driving, in 2009, for which he was banned from the roads unless he passed an extended test. But he has not done so, and has since run up further motoring-related convictions.

Havid, of Elwin Place, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Chris Morrison, mitigating, told the court: “He’s never been shy of work, putting in long hours helping in the family general dealer’s business.”

Mr Morrison said a prison sentence could jeopardise Havid’s marriage plans, but Judge Deborah Sherwin imposed a nine month sentence and banned him from driving for three years.