A YOUNG tearaway has been warned to stay away from his grandmother's Mini Cooper when he is released from custody after police did speeds of up to 99mph to catch hin.

The response officers from Cleveland Police were forced to user a Stinger to stop Harley Murray in his tracks as he raced around Hartlepool and Seaton Carew at speeds of more than 80mph.

The teenager was pursued for more than 15 minutes before his high-speed rampage was brought to a shuddering halt on the evening of August 17.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 18-year-old's grandmother tried to stop him when he grabbed the keys from her home and called the police after he sped off in her car.

Harry Hadfield, prosecuting, said police officers were forced to travel at more than 90mph at times to try and catch up with the repeat offender.

He said the defendant drove at high speed through residential areas, taking roundabouts in the wrong direction, drove across a children's play area and caused at least one vehicle to perform an emergency stop, all whilst he was above the drink-drive limit.

The court heard that he had taken his grandmother's car – something she finds very distressing – on two other occasions and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to her brakes and tyres.

Murray had only recently been released from custody after being imprisoned for 16 months for a similar offence in February

In mitigation, James Howard, said his client was fully prepared to receive a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated vehicle taking, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving whilst disqualified and driving without a licence or insurance.

"He is 18 and already has a long record for driving offences and is on a worrying path," he said. "He is deeply sorry for the consequences of his behaviour and the effect it has on his grandmother – not only on this occasion but other occasions."

Judge Peter Armstrong sentenced Murray, of St Abbs Walk, Hartlepool, to 14 months in custody for aggravated vehicle taking, six months consecutive for drink driving and a further four-month consecutive sentence for driving whilst disqualified.

He said: "You are 18-years of age and you can't keep your hands off your grandmother's Mini – the cost to her has been great. She did try to stop you on this night and you just ignored her and went on your way."