A man with an "appalling” driving record was spared a likely prison sentence thanks to the “significant change” in his behaviour and attitude since his most recent motoring offending.

Mark Brian Moody, of Lighthouse View, Seaham, appeared at Durham Crown Court for sentence on Friday (October 11) having been committed by magistrates after admitting charges of dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs and driving while disqualified, at a hearing last month.

The crown court sentencing hearing was told the offences arose from a lengthy pursuit involving the police while Moody was at the wheel of an MG ZS, under the influence of drugs, at a time he was serving a driving ban.

An officer on patrol in an unmarked police car received a report of a black MG ZS being driven without a licence, on the A690 at Langley Moor, on the outskirts of Durham, at 11.20pm on Thursday, March 28, this year.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, said Moody took the first exit off a roundabout to head towards Ushaw Moor, so he was followed by the officer, who applied his car’s blue lights and siren, indicating for the defendant to pull over to the roadside.

Miss Marsay said a long pursuit followed in which Moody reached speeds of 90-mph on 60-limit Broom Lane, approaching Ushaw Moor

He drove on the wrong side of the road, straddled white lines, and careered from one lane to another approaching Esh Winning, travelling at 70mph on a 30-limit stretch of Cockhouse Lane.

Miss Marsay said it was, “sheer luck” no pedestrian or other motorist was injured when Moody cut a corner on a bend and hit the opposite kerb.

The chase went on towards Tow Law and then Wolsingham, where in a narrow street, with cars parked along one side, Moody overtook another vehicle and mounted a footpath opposite.

He then approached a junction at speed, cutting a corner and narrowly missed a member of the public travelling in the opposite direction.

The MG then came to a halt, as did the pursuing police vehicle, but it appeared that Moody was then going to try to reverse-ram the force car.

Miss Marsay said the police driver managed to manoeuvre to one side of the MG to block it in.

Movement was seen in the car and the doors were locked from the inside, so the officer smashed a side window with his extendable baton and saw Moody sitting in the rear seat, with a passenger present.

An officer in another police vehicle had seen Moody moving from the driving seat, so he was arrested.

Miss Marsay said when he was brought from the police car he was unsteady on his feet, was fidgety and slurred his words, but a roadside breath test for alcohol gave a negative reading.

A drug wipe, however, brought a positive result for the presence of cocaine, to a level much higher than the legal limit to drive.

When interviewed, Moody admitted having been the driver and told police he “panicked” when he saw the blue lights of the patrol car, knowing he should not be driving.

But he did not answer any further questions.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Miss Marsay told the court, however, that he took the deliberate decision to travel at high speed while highly impaired through drugs.

The court heard the defendant has 48 convictions for 101 offences, with, “an extensive history” of driving matters, including driving while disqualified, drug driving and dangerous driving in the last seven years.

Reece Williams, in mitigation, said the defendant has told him he is now, “ashamed of his behaviour and very remorseful.”

Mr Williams said at the time the defendant was suffering with mental health issues following the breakdown of a long-term relationship, but he accepts his behaviour was, “very poor that evening.”

But Mr Williams told the court the defendant has since taken “significant steps” to overcome his drug issues.

He has begun mental health treatment, paid for privately, and referred himself to Addictions North East, with whom he is five months into a one-year programme, during which he is regularly drug-tested, so far giving negative results.

Mr Williams said the defendant is also in stable accommodation with Addictions North East and supports fellow residents at breakfast clubs and in attending optional programmes.

The defendant was also said to have a new partner who is a “positive influence” on his life.

Mr Williams added: “He would lose his accommodation if he receives a prison sentence and, if allowed his liberty, he can continue making the progress he has made so far.”

Judge Nathan Adams told Moody he has, “an appalling record” for driving offences, flouting previous bans to commit more motoring crimes, this time driving with excess class A drugs in his system.

“What should have been a quick stop by the police turned into a persistent and highly dangerous pursuit, without regard by you for anyone else on the road.”

But the judge said he was impressed to read of the positive progress the defendant has made since the offences were committed to, "significantly change his attitude and behaviour."

“Despite that, I can’t impress on you enough how close you have come to receiving an immediate 12-month prison sentence.”

Due to the progress the defendant has made since the offending, the judge suspended the sentence for two years.

However, he ordered the defendant to undergo 40 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service and to take part in 26 days on an accredited programme to add to the courses he is voluntarily attending.

Judge Adams also imposed a four-year driving ban and told Moody he must pass an extended test to be able to legally drive once again.

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The defendant was also ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs.

Judge Adams added: “I hope I have made the position plain and the Probation Service’s hopes are made out.

“Fail, and you know what the consequences will be.”