A MOTORIST who was said by a judge to have shown contempt for the law of the road was jailed for 90 days and banned from driving for two years.

Prosecutor Louise Gray said police recognised Michael Rowley as a disqualified driver and followed him from the Queensway area of Southampton.

Although police activated their emergency lights, Rowley drove on, ignored a no entry sign to go down a one-way street and turned right on the wrong side of the road.

The drama ended when he tried to overtake a stationary van at the Six Dials junction and crashed into a set of traffic lights, putting them out of action. He tried to run off but was caught.

Rowley, 33, of Cox Row, Chandler's Ford, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to driving dangerously, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Recorder Harry Martineau ordered his jail sentence to run consecutive to a 38-month term he is currently serving for burglary.

Rowley must also take an extended re-test before he can drive again when his ban ends.