AN uninsured motorist reversed into a police vehicle in the early hours of the morning, the day after she bought the car, a court was told.

It followed a short chase of the red Peugeot after driver Katrina Naisbitt failed to stop earlier when police signalled for her to do so, shortly before 1am on January 29.

Naisbitt, 34, of Avon Street, Easington Colliery, appeared for sentence before Durham Crown Court, sitting at Newcastle, having admitted charges of driving dangerously and without insurance at an earlier magistrates’ hearing.

Anthony Pettengell, prosecuting, said the car was initially spotted in Raby Avenue, but it sped away, and despite the police driver deploying his blue lights and siren, Naisbitt carried on, up Holmhill Lane, across Seaside Lane, dropping a male passenger in St Nicholas Terrace, returning onto Seaside Lane, where she reached 60-miles per hour, double the speed limit.

Reaching the bottom of Seaside Lane the Peugeot went straight on and collided with a kerb, losing control, before coming to a halt in Cross Street.

Naisbitt then reversed into the police vehicle blocking her in, causing minimal damage.

She was arrested and interviewed later, making no comment.

Judge James Adkin said he is aware that Naisbitt is struggling to address her addiction issues and as she has not committed an offence of this type in the past, he was prepared to suspend the sentence.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said: “She does wish to address her drug problem.”

Judge Adkin imposed an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years, with a four-month 7pm to 7am home curfew, while Naisbitt must undergo 30-probation led activity days as part of a six-month drug rehabilitation programme.

Naisbitt was also banned from driving for 18 months.