A JUDGE locked up a persistent motoring offender for 20 months and ordered a commendation for the police after watching a video of a high-speed chase along busy roads.

Trevor Keenan, 20, was told by Judge Roger Scott at Teesside Crown Court: "As an example of bad, dangerous driving in a built-up area, it takes a little beating ."

The police video showed Keen-an undertaking another car at 90mph, racing through red lights, going around roundabouts the wrong way, narrowly missing other motorists and reaching speeds of up to 75mph in 30mph zones.

Several police cars were involved in the pursuit along the Guisborough to Middlesbrough road, and around the outskirts of the town in Ladgate Lane and Marton Road.

Judge Scott described the driving of PC Mark Cubitt and his colleagues as "immaculate" and said: " So seldom are these police officers commended for their absolutely magnificent driving."

Keenan, of Epworth Green, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, who has a string of previous convictions for motoring offences, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance, and was also banned from the roads for four years.

Defence barrister Nigel Soppitt said two passengers in the Peugeot 405 had encouraged Keenan to try to out-run the police, but insisted there was some hope that he will now put offending behind him.

Keenan was also dealt with for his part in a row with a family that owns an off-licence in the Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough, on December 28.

He, along with three others from Middlesbrough - James Michael Kelly, 41, of Daleville Close, Beechwood; Gary David Kime, 19, of Rosecroft Avenue, Grove Hill; and James Christopher Kelly, 19, of Cherwell Terrace, Brambles Farm - admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

All four were given a two-year conditional discharge.