A former inmate is back behind bars after intimidating a prison officer by driving threateningly in his direction just outside HMP Durham.

David Morton appeared before magistrates at Newton Aycliffe, on July 12, accused of assaulting the officer, by spitting at him, in an incident said to have taken place in the segregation unit at Durham Prison, where the defendant was being held in January this year.

Durham Crown Court was told the officer was working at the prison on July 12 but knew the preliminary hearing in the alleged spitting case was taking place that day.

During his lunch break he briefly left the prison but became aware of a car being driven towards him from behind, at 12.30pm.

Read more: Defendant believed police officer bore a grudge against him

Neil Jones, prosecuting, the officer recognised the defendant being the driver and felt in imminent danger.

He took evasive action to avoid being hit and walked behind some bollards for safety.

Mr Jones said Morton was manoeuvring the car, reversing it and revving, and shouted to the officer to get into the vehicle.

The officer refused, but Morton threatened to mount the kerb to run him over, then pulled alongside and made threats to both the officer and his family.

Mr Jones said two other prison officers approached and could see how fearful their colleague was, so they shouted to Morton to stop.

In response Morton told them he was not interested in them, but only the other officer who made the spitting complaint.

Following the incident, the officer in question said he has worked in the prison for six years and sometimes expects to face intimidation from inmates while on shift in the establishment, but not outside.

The 30-year-old defendant, of Jane Street, Stanley, admitted a charge of intimidation.

His previous offences were said to include stalking a police officer and his wife, for which he was jailed and made the subject of a five-year restraining order, in 2020.

Read more: Defendant said to have researched officer's family details

Referring to his latest offence. Amrit Jandoo, representing Morton, told the court: “He has lost his temper that day and that’s why he’s before the court.

“He had gone to attend an appointment with the Probation Service and took the foolish decision to drive towards the prison.

“He drove the car up and down the road outside the prison, eventually confronting the officer.

“He remained in the car the whole time and, in his mind, he didn’t want to carry out those threats.

“He had no bail condition and so he thought he was entitled to speak to this man and set out his views.”

Mr Jandoo added that although the defendant has a stable address in County Durham he plans to move out of the area when he is released from prison.

Judge Ray Singh told the defendant: “You were fully aware of the nature of your actions on the relevant day.

“You attended to intimidate that witness and caused serious distress to him.”

Imposing a nine-month prison sentence, the judge added: “It could have had a serious impact on the course of justice.”

The court heard the case involving the original spitting allegation is due to take place later this year.

Read next:

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Prison officer attacked in HMP Frankland leaves him off work for a year

Thousands of prison staff and inmates attacked in North East prisons

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