A DISQUALIFIED driver who crashed into roundabout at speed while three times over the limit died after suffering horrific head injuries, an inquest was told yesterday.

Darren McGee was driving his Ford Escort at speeds in excess of 55mph when he lost control and the car skidded into a roundabout in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, killing the 31-year-old driver.

PC Darren Breslin and PC Simon Moore went to his house in Rochester Court, Ingleby Barwick, to handle a domestic dispute between Mr McGee and his girlfriend, Michelle Phoenix.

The officers later spotted a Ford Escort being driven through the estate and attempted to pull the vehicle over. Mr McGee, who was due to appear in court the following week accused of driving while disqualified and with excess alcohol, tried to escape the police van which was following about 150 metres behind.

His car clipped one roundabout before he sped away careering into the second roundabout which spun the car through the air leaving the driver half out of the vehicle's window.

He suffered horrific head injuries as a result of the accident on July 15 last year.

A family statement said: "Darren's parents have said that he has been, and will continue to be missed by all of his family and those who were close to him.

"We would like people to know that Darren had a warm heart and was a young man who had a lot of love in him to share with others."

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded Mr McGee died as a result of an accident.