A BANNED driver led police on a chase at speeds of more than 110mph after taking a parked car while over the drink-drive limit.

Paul Francis Gray, 21, who was released from a previous prison sentence a fortnight before the incident, was jailed yesterday for a further six months.

Durham Crown Court was told that the G-registered Ford Escort was taken after the owner parked it outside a shop in Stanley, County Durham.

Police came across it on the Stanley to Sunniside road, but when a patrol car gave chase it failed to get close, despite reaching 110 mph.

Donald MacFaul, prosecuting, said the Escort went through a red light, collided with a kerb and came to a halt on grass in a cul-de-sac, in Sunniside.

Both occupants fled the car, but police caught up with the driver, Gray, who refused to give a breath sample, claiming it was not necessary as he was the passenger.

Roger Elsey, for Gray, said he had acted, "impulsively and stupidly" on seeing the police car.

Gray, of Hyde Park Street, Bensham, Gateshead, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and failing to provide a breath specimen.

Jailing Gray, and banning him from driving for a further three years, Judge Maurice Carr told him that his driving was "extremely worrying", made worse as he was under the influence of drink.