A DISQUALIFIED driver who rode a motorcycle through various streets of a Hawick housing estate while pursued by police has been jailed for 108 days at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Officers recognised 28-year-old Kevin Laidlaw because he was not wearing a helmet on the morning of Friday, January 23, and knew he was already banned from the road.

The mobile police patrol activated the blue light and chased Laidlaw through several streets of Burnfoot but he went off road and made his escape by the River Teviot.

The court was told that contact was made with Laidlaw by telephone and he agreed to surrender on January 27 but did not show up and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He pleaded guilty to charges of riding a motorcycle while disqualified.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said her client was already remanded in custody on another matter and although he was living in Dumfries, intended to return to Hawick on his release.

Laidlaw had previous convictions for the same offence but Sheriff Ailsa Carmichael said he did not appear to be learning his lesson.

The jail sentence was back-dated to July 16.

He was also given a 12 month ban.