A YOUNG disqualified driver has received an “inevitable” prison sentence having been caught at the wheel again while still subject to a suspended prison sentence.

Graeme Steven Jackson received the original 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Durham Crown Court in September 2020.

It followed a police chase at speeds of up to 100-miles-per-hour, of Jackson, who was driving a Renault Megane, at one stage in the wrong direction in a one-way street, passing through red lights and at times when he was said to be struggling to maintain control.

The chase, from Darlington, ended with the Megane being abandoned in Ferryhill, in the early hours of December 29, 2019, and Jackson and his three passengers all fled the vehicle.

Jackson of School View, Ferryhill, went on to admit dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Read more: Patrol officer spotted defendant, 17, at wheel of chased car

At his sentencing hearing Judge James Adkin told Jackson, who was 17 at the time of the offence, that he was, “just about persuaded” to suspend the sentence, because of his age and immaturity, but warned him as to the consequences of any breaches.

The now 20-year-old defendant was back before Judge Adkin this week having admitted new charges of driving while disqualified and without insurance at the magistrates’ court recently, both putting him breach of the suspended sentence.

His case was sent for sentence to the crown court, where the suspended sentence was passed in September 2020.

Christopher Bevan, prosecuting, said the latest offences were committed on April 24, when police spotted him driving a Vauxhall Vectra and followed, until he pulled on to a drive way.

Mr Bevan said inquiries showed Jackson was banned from driving and, therefore, uninsured at the time.

The court heard that his past convictions include, now, 15 motoring offences.

Ian West, for Jackson, told the court: “He’s still only 20 and never been to custody, and he realises his chickens have come home to roost today.

“He has a bad record in a short period for driving offences.

“He knows there’s only one sentence available to the court and I invite you to give him credit for his early pleas.”

Mr West said the defendant did abide by a curfew and attended rehabilitation activity days as part of his last sentence.

“This wouldn’t have crossed the custody threshold but for it being a breach of a crown court suspended sentence,” added Mr West.

Judge Adkin told Jackson he took a, “merciful course” over his previous offending.

“It cried out for an immediate sentence, but I was persuaded to give you a chance.

“Unfortunately for you, you haven’t taken that opportunity.

“It’s inevitable some of that suspended sentence should now be activated.”

He imposed a total eight-month prison sentence, of which Jackson must serve half behind bars before his release on licence.

His two-year driving disqualification from the last sentence still remains in place.

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