A BANNED motorist who crashed into a car carrying a baby during a police chase was yesterday warned he faces a likely prison sentence.

Six people were injured when a Ford Fiesta, driven by Terence Mark Simpson, hit a police stinger device, designed to puncture the tyres of cars being pursued, causing it crash into a Vauxhall Corsa car travelling in the opposite direction.

Police had been following the Fiesta, driven at speeds of up to 100mph, on rural roads in County Durham, and twice tried to use a stinger device to end the pursuit, on October 17.

As a result of the crash, on the A691 between Lanchester and Durham, the 21-year-old driver of the Corsa was badly injured and two passengers, including a 19-month-old child, suffered shock. Three people in the Fiesta were treated for slight injuries.

Simpson, 28, was charged with dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday, when he pleaded guilty to both charges.

The case was adjourned until mid-January for the preparation of pre-sentence reports by the probation service.

Remanding Simpson, of Linum Place, Fenham, Newcastle, Judge Guy Whitburn said: "This was an appalling piece of driving and if I was the sentencing judge custody would be inevitable."