A DRIVER who led police on a 100mph chase on busy roads near York has been jailed for nine months.

Simon Nicholas Seaton, 42, weaved through traffic towards oncoming vehicles on the A64 as he tried to avoid pursuing police.

York Crown Court heard how Seaton, of Filey Road in Scarborough, passed police at 92mph in his red Mercedes van near Bilborough Top at 1.30pm on September 15, 2009.

After refusing to stop, Seaton was chased by police at speeds of up 104mph as he headed towards Malton on the A64.

When he was stopped at the Malton bypass, Seaton was found to have a knuckle duster and hammer handle. He was found guilty on two counts of possessing an offensive weapon and a charge of dangerous driving. In addition to the prison sentence, he was handed a two-year driving ban at York Crown Court yesterday and must take an extended driving test to regain his licence.

Traffic constable Zoe Billings, who was involved in the incident, said he showed a “disregard for the safety of other road users”.

“His arrogance at ignoring police instructions to stop showed contempt for the law and the safety of others,” she said.

“Today’s outcome sends a clear message to other drivers who think they are above the law.

“They will be caught and made to face the consequences of their actions.”

• AN Elvington man has admitted being in possession of class A and class B drugs as well as driving without due care and attention following a 100mph police chase.

Thomas Andrew Fenwick, 39, of White House Grove was arrested on November 6 after swerving from lane to lane in a high speed chase on the A64. When stopped, police found cocaine, 28 tabs of LSD, 22 Ecstasy tablets and a quantity of cannabis.

He will be sentenced at Selby Magistrates’ Court on January 26.