yesterday jailed and ordered off the road for five years.

Steve Smith, of Devonshire, ignored stop signs and weaved across the road as Police gave chase, Magistrates' Court heard.

At one stage he lost control of his vehicle before regaining it, and also evaded a road block, said Insp. Peter Duffy, prosecuting.

Smith twice gave Police the slip, although he was later arrested, Insp. Duffy added.

The Wor. John Judge said Smith had shown "total disregard'' to the safety of other road users.

Jobless Smith was jailed six months after he admitted two counts of driving in a manner dangerous.

He was also banned from the road for five years after admitting two charges of driving while disqualified.

Added to a previous driving ban, he will now be off the road until 2004.

The court heard the charges related to May 9 and May 11 in Hamilton.

On both occasions, Police chased Smith at speed through the streets, including North Street, Angle Street, Princess Street, Court Street, and Elliott Street, said Insp. Duffy.

Smith told Mr. Judge: "I was not thinking. I knew what I was doing was wrong.''