A driver involved in a high-speed police chase while banned from driving for the 10th time avoided jail – despite his “pretty bad” record.

Darren Skidmore forced other drivers to swerve to avoid a collision.

He was said to have hit 70mph in a four-mile pursuit through through residential areas around Brierley Hill.

The judge, who said Skidmore caused “extreme danger”, said there was not much hope he would mend his ways. He sentenced Skidmore to six-months jail but suspended it for two years.

Mr Mark Rees prosecuting said he failed to stop at give-way signs, overtook on the wrong side of the road and went straight across a traffic island. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that at a cul-de-sac he drove across the pavement and down a grassy gradient.

Skidmore, aged 36, of Bankwell Street, Brierley Hill, admitted driving dangerously, while disqualified and without insurance.

He was made the subject of a two-year supervision order and disqualified from driving for 12 months.Mr Ekwall Tiwana, defending, said he was working hard to stay away from drugs.