A dangerous driver led police on a midday chase before smashing head-on into another motorist.
Kieron Storey had taken amphetamines prior to getting behind the wheel of a yellow Fiat Punto on March 11 last year, which he'd only bought that day. The 31-year-old was later seen driving "erratically" by police in the Easington Colliery area, but failed to pull over, instead leading officers on a dangerous chase through a built up area.
Storey, of Twelfth Street, Horden, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced for dangerous driving. He had pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous hearing.
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David Robinson-Young, prosecuting, said police were on patrol shortly after 1pm when Storey was seen driving the Fiat "erratically" and failed to pull over for officers. He said: "A short pursuit ensued and the defendant drove up to speeds of 50mph in narrow residential streets.
"He overtook members of the public while going round a blind corner and caused a head-on collision with another motorist travelling in the opposite direction. They suffered a broken nose and were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment."
The court heard that Storey, who had 12 previous convictions for 12 offences, was arrested at the scene on Bede Street, Easington Colliery, where he was found to be "slurring" and "appeared to be intoxicated". Mr Robinson-Young said: "In interview he made admissions where he admitted he was under the influence of amphetamine."
A probation report heard that Storey is on sickness benefits for anxiety and depression and had "no formal work history" apart from "occasional bricklaying work" in his late-teens. It said Storey has ADHD, a history of drug and alcohol misuse, and at one point used to spend £200 a month on amphetamines.
Anthony Pettengell, defending, added Storey has had "a number of difficulties going back a long time" and had now stopped his amphetamine use. The court heard that Storey felt ashamed at causing injuries to the other motorist.
Sentencing Storey, Recorder Ian Mullarkey jailed him for six months and banned him from driving for 20 months. He must undertake an extended re-test if he wants his licence back.
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