A serial criminal, who sped through a string of red lights at up to 60mph while being pursued by police through the Black Country, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Alan Brookes was spotted at the wheel of a VW Golf in Tipton Road, Dudley, in the early hours of October 2, less than three weeks after burgling a bungalow in Wombourne.

The 42-year-old banned motorist, who has a string of previous convictions for driving offences and other more serious crimes such as robbery and possession of a fire arm, accelerated away from police at twice the 40mph speed limit, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

Brookes careered through five sets of red lights at around 60mph as he headed along Birmingham Road and other streets towards Oldbury Town Centre, explained prosecutor Mr Mark Rees.

Police put a “stinger” in the path of the VW at Dudley Road, Oldbury, which burst its two front tyres, the court was told. But the vehicle continued at reduced speed overtaking a line of stationary traffic to go through another red light on the wrong side of the road before Brookes was arrested after losing control and crashing into the kerb.

He had broken into a bungalow in School Road, Wombourne, while the couple who lived there were out on September 13.

He stole jewellery and the keys to a Citroen which was taken from the scene and found the next day on a nearby pub car park alongside another stolen car taken during an unrelated incident, continued Mr Rees.

Traces of the DNA of Brookes were found during a forensic examination of the Citroen, disclosed the prosecutor.

Mr Robert Cowley, defending Brookes, said: “He has a dreadful criminal history but has done a lot of soul searching. He recognises that he is too old for this and now intends to go straight.”

Brookes, from Tunnel Street, West Bromwich, pleaded guilty to burglary, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified and was sent to prison.