A banned driver overtook cars on a blind bend and drove at speeds of up to 70mph through a village during a police chase, it has been alleged.

Police officers in a marked car followed a Mercedes belonging to Richard Smith after he was seen standing next to the driver’s door of the vehicle near the Cherry Tree pub in Glemsford, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The officer recognised Smith as he had arrested him for drink-driving in October 2012 and had also attended court when Smith was given a driving ban, said Hugh Vass, prosecuting.

Suspecting Smith might get behind the wheel of the car the officers drove past and parked down the road.

The Mercedes then drove past and one of the officers recognised Smith as the person he had arrested for drink-driving. The other officer recognised him as the person who had been standing next to the car near the pub, said Mr Vass.

The officers started to follow the car and activated the siren and flashing lights on their vehicle but instead of stopping the Mercedes had allegedly accelerated away. At one stage it overtook a line of six or seven cars in one go at a time when the last two cars were allegedly on a bend.

He said the Mercedes had also driven at 70mph in a 30mph speed limit in Cavendish.

Smith, 47, of Stour Close, Glemsford, has denied dangerous driving on the A1092 and driving while disqualified on November 2.

Following his arrest on November 4 Smith said he was at the Cherry Tree on November 2 but denied driving his Mercedes, saying others had access to it. The trial continues today.