A CRACK addict who drove through highly populated Ipswich streets at 80 mph when stoned, is behind bars today.Douglas Dickson, 24, formerly of Rosebery Road, Ipswich, drove his Honda Civic at nearly three times the legal speed limit while pursued by police along Birkfield Drive and Ellenbrook Green during a mid-morning chase.

A CRACK addict who drove through highly populated Ipswich streets at 80 mph when stoned, is behind bars today.

Douglas Dickson, 24, formerly of Rosebery Road, Ipswich, drove his Honda Civic at nearly three times the legal speed limit while pursued by police along Birkfield Drive and Ellenbrook Green during a mid-morning chase.

Dickson almost lost control of the vehicle before it screeched to a halt in Chesterton Drive where he made his escape and hid in undergrowth, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Mark Halsey, prosecuting, said although police could not find Dickson after the offence in November last year, the officer identified him in January and Dickson then admitted dangerous driving.

Dickson's home was then raided in a drug search and about 23 grams of heroine and 25 grams of crack cocaine were discovered wrapped ready for sale.

A set of electronic scales were also discovered with traces of the two drugs on them. Crack addict, Dickson, pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply and two counts of simple possession for his own use. The court heard that Dickson had a previous criminal record for burglary, possession of cannabis and handling stolen goods. He was jailed for three years in May for committing burglary and theft and is currently a serving prisoner.

Lindsay Cox, mitigating, said Dickson pleaded guilty to the drug offences when there was "Precious little evidence to associate him with the drugs." Mr Cox added "He acknowledge he just wanted to get everything behind him, he did not want a trial. The dangerous driving was of short duration, no one was hurt and no damage was caused but he was on drugs at the time."

Judge Peter Thompson said the drugs valued at £2,455 were for commercial supply. "You admitted you were a crack cocaine addict yourself so you were well aware of the dangers of these drugs," he added.

Dickson was sentenced to a total of four years in prison to run alongside the three years he is already serving. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended test before driving again. The drugs and paraphernalia were to be destroyed.