A BANNED driver has been jailed for 16 months after leading police on a chase through Southampton in the middle of the night.

Callum Hickman, who was at the wheel of a stolen car, went the wrong way around a city centre roundabout, ignored a red light and drove towards the pursuing police vehicle.

Hickman, 22, carried on driving after the car suffered a shredded tyre that eventually came off, the court was told.

Alejandra Tascon, prosecuting, said police were on patrol in Empress Road, Southampton, at 3.45am on March 12 when they noticed a Ford car containing three people was being driven erratically.

She said the car suddenly reversed at speed, ending up alongside the police vehicle.

Hickman shouted abuse at one of the officers before making an offensive gesture and driving off with the police in pursuit.

Miss Tascon said the defendant went the wrong way around the Jurys Inn roundabout as well as switching off the car's headlights and driving towards the police vehicle, almost hitting it.

As the chase continued Hickman drove on the wrong side of the road and jumped a red light.

Miss Tascon said the car suffered a shredded tyre that eventually came off. Police managed to stop the vehicle and the driver was arrested, despite trying to flee the scene.

She added: "His behaviour was erratic. He resisted arrest and started shouting that he was a passenger. He kicked out twice, hitting a police officer in the leg."

Miss Tascon said Hickman had 39 convictions from 112 offences, including battery, burglary and several motoring matters.

The defendant had previously pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and assaulting an emergency worker.

Jamie Gammon, mitigating, said his client's record was "horrific".

Referring to the incident involving the police officer he said it was a reckless act rather than a deliberate assault.

Mr Gammon added: "The defendant was beginning to settle down with a new partner but one night he seems to have been tempted.

"He wants to be a useful member of society. Hopefully he can turn a corner and stay away from those who egg him on."

Hickman, of Herrick Close, Southampton, was jailed for a total of 16 months and banned from driving for three years and eight months.