A banned driver who went on a high-speed chase through Broadstairs blamed police for egging him on.

Jay Styles, who has never held a driving licence, smashed into two police cars – and narrowly avoided hitting a third during the early-morning chase.

But at his trial at Canterbury Crown Court, the 28-year-old claimed he had been "goaded" into the chase by a police officer.

A jury heard how in December last year he was spotted driving a car with passengers by police officers near St Peter's Estate.

Denzil Pugh, prosecuting, said that during the chase along Granville Road, Fairfield Road and Northdown Hill at more than twice the legal limit, Styles drove on the wrong side of the road and ignored signs.

Amazingly Styles, of Dane Valley Road, Margate, denied driving dangerously – claiming police had encouraged him to start the chase.

But Judge Heather Norton told him: "At your trial you made allegations against the police trying to place the blame onto them; claiming the first officer onto the scene was deliberately trying to goad you into a chase. You claim that the police enjoyed the chase.

"You also claimed the reason you were driving was to take the car to a lock-up because the tax was running out. Quite frankly, I doubt whether that was true."

Mr Pugh said the chase ended when Styles drove into a field and ran away – but was easily spotted as he was wearing a yellow reflective jacket.

Alex Rooke, defending, said Styles believed he was "effectively being asked to engage in a chase" by police.

"He is an inveterate drug user and one of the by-products is paranoia, causing fear and a misunderstanding of people’s motives."

Styles, who was convicted by a jury, was jailed for 12 months for driving dangerously.

He had admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Styles was given a further three-year disqualification – and told he cannot drive until he passes a test.