'Danger driver' - Jail for South Shields teen who crashed into police van during 104mph chase
Offender had been warned by judge that offenders like him "kill people".
A danger driver given "one chance" after he crashed into a police vehicle and a van during a 104mph chase sparked another pursuit just days later and is now behind bars.
Alfie Ford was given a suspended prison sentence for his driving in Jarrow, on June 19 and warned by a judge that offenders like him "kill people"
Newcastle Crown Court heard just 11 days later on June 30, while banned from driving, Ford was spotted behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi motor in South Shields, which prompted another police chase.
Prosecutor Emily Sanderson told the court police travelling in an unmarked car recognised Ford, who had two passengers.
An officer on a motorbike followed Ford, who refused to stop despite the cop's blue lights and sirens being activated.
Miss Sanderson said: "A police pursuit then ensued, with the defendant travelling at speeds of 50mph in a 30mph zone and 77mph in a 40mph.
"He also travelled around a roundabout in the wrong direction.
"The officer lost sight of him, having travelled in the right direction and an area search was then undertaken.
"The car was found abandoned."
Ford, 19, of Green Lane, South Shields, denied dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance but was convicted after a magistrates court trial.
Judge Robert Spragg today locked him up for a total of 22 months and told him: "You would have been told in clear terms of the consequences of any breach.
"It was just 11 days after the imposition of the suspended sentence that the officer recognised you driving past him."
The judge said members of the public, police and Ford's passengers were put in danger and told him: "I have a duty to protect the public."
Ford was banned from the roads for two years.
Robin Turton, defending, said: "There can be few things more aggravating than to see a defendant given a chance and for that, effectively, to be thrown back in the judge's face."
Mr Turton said Ford is immature, had not had a chance to work with probation services and has an offer of employment.
At the hearing on June 19 Ford was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for two years, with 200 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements and a two-year road ban with extended test requirement.
The sentence was after he drove a Vauxhall Corsa on the wrong side of the road, went through red lights and mounted a footpath after officers tried to pull him over on Hedworth Lane in Jarrow, on June 26 last year.
Police had to abandon the initial pursuit after around six or seven minutes as Ford's driving was so dangerous but he was then spotted by another officer. It was when Ford performed a U-turn on the road and drove straight towards the police vehicle that he crashed into it and a stationary van.