A Bolton man has avoided jail after being caught drink driving and then leading police on a high-speed pursuit through the city.
The court heard that the 29-year-old defendant had been driving to a 24-hour shop near his home at around 2.45am on 21 October, 2021, when police spotted him.
He failed to stop when requested, speeding away at up to 70mph.
Prosecuting, Emmanuel Coniah said: “The vehicle travelled through a junction and did not brake or slow down.
“Any vehicle that could have been coming through that junction would have been subject to a serious crash.”
The court also heard that the man had neither driving licence nor insurance.
Police caught up to him after he collided with a skip and a wall before finally crashing into a house.
They could smell alcohol and a roadside breath test found that the man, who has 19 previous convictions for 38 offences, was more than twice the legal drink driving limit of 35mcg alcohol per 100ml breath.
Defending, Michelle Brown said that her client had only caused minor damage.
“I concede at the outset that this is an unattractive offence and that it is made worse by his previous record”, she said.
“If it’s going to be custody then he wants to get on with it, that shows some maturity that may have been lacking in the past.”
She added that the offences were not planned but spontaneous.
“He says he simply went out to get cigarettes.”
Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said he was persuaded not to impose an immediate custodial sentence, but warned the defendant that any further offences would have serious consequences.
“You’re 29 now and it really is time to grow up”, said Judge Clarke.
“Only because you can better be punished in the community and I can better keep an eye on you there, I’m going to avoid the short sharp shock of immediate custody.”
After pleading guilty to drink driving, dangerous driving, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, the man was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and banned from the roads for three and a half years.
He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, as well as complete an 18-month thinking skills programme.
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