A motor menace clocked speeds of 60mph in a 20 zone directly in front of an unmarked police car.
Uninsured Stevie Holliday also narrowly missed hitting a bus as he drove "aggressively" in his VW Golf through residential streets in Walker, Newcastle, as pedestrians walked nearby.
A court heard that the 29-year-old was forced to brake harshly and travelled close to the rear of other vehicles before the pursuing officer activated his blue lights and signalled for him to pull over.
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It was then discovered that Holliday, who has a previous conviction for driving while disqualified, had no insurance or licence.
Now, Holliday, of Merlay Hall, in Walker, is facing a stint behind bars after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Leslie Burgess, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said the officer was driving an unmarked police car through Walker on October 10 last year when his attention was drawn to Holliday as he was on his mobile phone while behind the wheel.
"It was the officer's intention to stop the defendant about that but he made off at speed," continued Ms Burgess.
"The officer doesn't activate his blue lights at this point, he simply follows.
"It's a 20mph residential area and there are a number of pedestrians walking around. The Golf was driving 60mph in a 20mph zone.
"The officer says the vehicle is being driven aggressively, trying to overtake a bus at one point and driving very close to that bus."
The court heard that Holliday continued to drive "aggressively" along Monkchester Road, Welbeck Road and Scrogg Road, during which time he was forced to brake harshly as he travelled too closely to other vehicles.
He did eventually stop when the officer activated his blue lights.
Magistrates were told that Holliday had panicked and drove at speed as he thought he was being followed by men who had previously attacked him.
Andy O'Hanlon, defending, said: "It was an unmarked police car. The defendant had been pursued by the car for a period of time and he has been terrified, so tried to make off.
"The car didn't activate its lights until the very last minute. As soon as the blue lights were activated, he slammed on the brakes and pulled over.
"Last summer, he was subject to an acid attack and he was absolutely terrified when a car started following him."
Magistrates deemed that their powers to finalise the case were insufficient and committed Holliday to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence.
He was released on unconditional bail to next appear there on March 30.
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