A Folkestone motorist – who drove dangerously “time after time” while disqualified and without insurance – has been jailed for 45 months.

On three separate occasions, Simon Potter was caught at the wheel of vehicles – but then tried to speed away to avoid capture.

Now a judge has heard how the 30-year-old had driven at twice the speed limit in Folkestone, smashed into a parked car and abandoned vehicles.

Canterbury Crown Court was told that Potter, of Radnor Street, had been convicted of driving while disqualified in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and TWICE this year!

Judge Simon James told him: “It is quite frankly a miracle that no-one has been killed or injured. You have clearly made a decision that the law doesn’t apply to you.

“Well the time has come for other roadusers to be protected from you.”

Prosecutor Lizzie Acker revealed how in April last year a police officer admiring a black Vauxhall Astra spotted Potter at the wheel near FolkestoneHarbour.

“An officer signalled for him to stop but he just made off at up to 60 mph, which was twice the speed limit, and was followed along Southern Way and Wear Bay Road before turning onto a private track near a campsite where he abandoned the vehicle, she added.

Ms Acker added that members of the public saw a “panicked male” emerging from bushes claiming he was being chased by someone who was trying to kill him.

A woman with two children in a green Peugeot then gave him a lift away from the area – but police have never traced her, she said.

Potter was later arrested in a local store but told police he hadn’t driven dangerously, cockily telling officers: “It was just that you couldn’t keep up!”

In February this year he was seen at the wheel at a red BMW in Church Street and Dover Road, Folkestone and once again fled leaving the vehicle behind. He was spotted 35 minutes later.

“It is quite frankly a miracle that no-one has been killed or injured" - Judge Simon James

Ms Acker said that in September last year he was driving a silver BMW at a petrol station before fleeing along Cheriton High Street after being spotted by police – leading officers on a 50 mph chase which involved smashing into a parked car.

The prosecutor added that the officers had to abandoned the chase because of the danger to members of the public.

Potter, admitted a variety of charges of driving dangerously, while disqualified and without insurance and was banned from driving for six years.

Ian Bond, defending, said car valeter Potter's girlfriend was three months pregnant and he realised he wouldn't be there at the birth.

"He offers his apologies for his behaviour which has been selfish, dangerous and self-jeopardising."