A man who rammed two police vehicles during a high-speed 60-mile chase has been committing crimes across Scotland for 40 years.

In his most recent offence, Arthur Bryce, 56, of Glasgow, tried to flee from police and drove so fast on the A9 that officers eventually called off the pursuit because it was too dangerous for other members of the public.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that even after escaping the police's efforts to catch him during the chase, the first thing he did was break into a house as an elderly couple slept.

Bryce admitted a catalogue of 13 offences, including driving dangerously on the A9 Perth to Inverness road, the B9150 Ralia to Newtonmore road and the A86 Netwonmore to Kingussie road, on January 3 this year.

On the same date he broke into a home in Newtonmore in the Highlands.

Previously, he stole a car from Aviemore in the Highlands on September 5 last year and robbed two hotels in Pitlochry, Perthshire, on September 8 and 10.

On September 14, he stole a wallet from the Glencoe Visitor Centre in the Highlands, while two days later he stole jewellery from a house in Crieff, Perthshire.

He then broke into a house in Glasgow Road, Perth, on December 28, stealing several items, and took a safe and other items from a home in Bankfoot, Perthshire, on December 31.

Bryce was on bail at the time of all of the offences.

Solicitor Kevin McCarron, defending, said: "This could be categorised as a catalogue of criminality. It is as formidable a record as anyone will accumulate over the years.

"He was discharged from care in 1976. Thereafter he travelled Scotland, covering hundreds of miles and appeared for this type of offending. That has just continued.

"His adult life has been categorised by matters of dishonesty and associated road traffic offences. It just seems to be a lifestyle issue.

"He doesn't appear to be a member of any organised crime gang. He wasn't living the high life. I am not aware of any addiction difficulties with drugs or alcohol."

When he was eventually caught by police, Bryce said: "I was driving recklessly. It wasn't my intention to hurt anyone. I regret my actions."

Sheriff William Wood deferred sentence on Bryce, who has committed 122 previous offences, until Wednesday.