Police pursued a BMW driver along the A66 at 125mph, Teesside Crown Court was told.

During other parts of the chase, David Nowlin, 21, drove at 80mph in built-up areas on the outskirts of Darlington, going through red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Nowlin, of Brinkburn Avenue, Darlington, was given 100 hours community punishment combined with a two-year community rehabilitation order after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, having no insurance and using a dangerous vehicle.

Prosecutor Peter Sabiston said the chase began in central Darlington when a police patrol tried to stop him, but he sped away. The pursuit continued through the town's suburbs, eventually reaching the A66. Nowlin then left the dual carriageway to continue at 90mph along a quiet country road.

The chase came to an end when "something let go" in his engine, causing a flash of flame and a cloud of smoke, the car grinding to a halt.

Defence barrister David Lamb said his client did not make a habit of bad driving. He had been driving regularly for four years without getting into any previous trouble with the police. Nowlin was banned from driving for three years and ordered to take an extended driving test before taking to the road again.