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Jordan Winn claimed Buster, a Staffordshire bull terrier, leapt into the foot well of his Volvo and sat on the accelerator pedal, causing him to drive away from a police officer that was pursuing him in Chester-le-Street, Durham.

According to Winn, Buster was operating the driving pedals with his bum while looking up at him with his head poking up between his knees because it was stuck underneath the steering wheel.

The 23-year-old's story was branded "ludicrous" by a judge and was jailed for 13 months at Durham Crown Court and disqualified from driving for three years.

In an attempt to reduce his culpability after CCTV footage of the incident on October 19 last year was shown to the court, Winn even claimed Buster put his behind down on the brakes as the Volvo narrowly avoided a family car.

However the suggestion that the terrier knew when to brake to avoid colliding with the car travelling in the opposite direction and exactly when to speed back up was dismissed.

Winn's barrister, Paul Currer, told the court that Winn admits responsibility to one count of dangerous driving but said he became distracted by the excited dog that was leaping around his car.

He said: "This mistake and stupid behaviour has cost him dearly.

"He has brought problems upon himself and his family who have been terrified of his predicament.

"He may have been stupid at driving but he is not stupid at knowing what he has but at risk."

Recorder of Durham Judge, Christopher Prince added: "The dog had nothing to do with it and you have told a pack of lies so far.

"It was heavy excessive speeding and you made an utterly ludicrous account which was to persist for over a year.

"You have demonstrated a determination to reduce your culpability and have shown no remorse for extremely dangerous driving.

"If this court allows people who drive in this way to escape a custodial sentence then it is more likely that more people will do this."