'Appalling' driver behind bars after dangerous chase

A DANGER driver who has an "appalling" driving record has been locked up after speeding through the streets of Stockton.

- By POPPY KENNEDY

Jason Banthorpe has a long list of driving offences on his record and has been prosecuted for driving while disqualified twice in the last 10 years.

In September 2023, he was spotted by police officers leaving the Ramsgate Pub and getting into his van.

Teesside Crown Court heard how officers activated the blue lights and approached the 55-year-old while he was stopped at a red light.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said the approaching officer told the defendant to open the door and switch off the engine.

After initially ignoring the officer he said he wouldn’t and proceeded to rev the engine “as if it were in defiance”.

The officer smashed the driver's side window with his baton but as the lights turned green Banthorpe, who was suspected of driving whilst over the alcohol limit, sped off.