A DJ on trial accused of driving dangerously in city streets in a stolen Mercedes C200 told a court yesterday he had been “stitched up”.

Malachi Halstead, 33, maintained his innocence in front of a jury after allegedly fleeing a police car at speed in Newport, a court heard.

Halstead, of Cartwright Green, Newport, was wanted by police at the time, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

He denies one count of dangerous driving in streets including Cromwell Street, Keene Street, and Hammond Drive on July 5 this year.

Police saw him swerve on the wrong side of the road to overtake vehicles at “extremely fast” speed forcing them to take evasive action, the court heard.

The jury heard that Halstead had 36 offences recorded against him since his teens, including robbery, kidnap, blackmail, aggravated vehicle taking and resisting police constables.

The person who allegedly had the courtesy Mercedes stolen, Carl Wall, told police he thought the car had been taken by two people known as “Madman” and “Hasty”.

Halstead acknowledged he had previously been known as “Madman” and had a “Madman” tattooed on his back.

But he maintained he no longer used this name in the music world and was now known as “Madskie” or “Skie”.

He told the jury: “I’m saying I wasn’t driving the car.

“I had a brand new car of my own.”

Halstead’s barrister, David Leathley, alleged on behalf of his client that police had fabricated evidence by claiming they had seen him in the Mercedes on July 5.

Prosecuting barrister Sarah Waters said two police officers witnessed the incident and both recognised Halstead.

She said his driving “fell well below standard of an ordinary, competent, careful driver”.

Police Constable Philip Welti and Police Sergeant Sarah Davies were on mobile patrol in Maindee.

Miss Waters added they were travelling in a police car when they saw a black Mercedes turn into Cromwell Street and accelerate away from them.

She said they began to follow the vehicle and saw it on the “wrong side of the road to overtake vehicles”.

Miss Waters said the police stopped following the Mercedes due to the “potential danger to the public” and the car was later located and was found to have been stolen.

Miss Waters added that Halstead claimed he was in Bristol on the day in question and that he had never met PC Welti or Sergeant Davies.

Giving evidence, Sergeant Davies said she had come across Halstead about 20 times .

The trial continues.