A man who led police on a 30-minute, high-speed pursuit has been named after he appeared in court for the first time on Monday (September 2). 

Carl Prior, 41, of West Street, Middlesbrough, appeared at York Magistrates' Court, where he admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

The charges relate to an incident on Sunday (September 1) at around 3.30am - which saw police attempt to stop Prior in Ripon after he was seen driving erratically and going through red lights.

After the car Prior was in tried to evade police officers, members of North Yorkshire Police's roads policing team, response team, and investigation hub engaged in a 30-minute chase.

During the incident, the car police were chasing was driven at high speeds along several parts of North Yorkshire, before officers deployed two stinger devices to bring the chase to a stop.

Prior was arrested and charged with driving offences, including dangerous driving and driving while disqualified, and pleaded guilty to those charges in court on Monday.

He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on September 24.

Most read:

Get more from The Northern Echo and stay informed with a digital subscription. Click here to find out more.

Following the incident and court appearance on Monday, a spokesperson for North Yorkshire police said: "This operation highlights the professionalism of our officers and the vital role that teamwork plays in maintaining public safety.

"We hope this sends a clear message to those intent on carrying our criminality in our county that we will take decisive action to stop them in their tracks.

"And our communities can rest assured knowing that those who endanger others will be held accountable."