A WESTHOUGHTON man who sat drunk behind the wheel of a car a week after he was banned from driving was arrested.
Bolton Crown Court heard that Matthew Rothwell even backed into a police car while trying to escape.
The 29-year-old was spotted by officers on Foundry Street in the early hours of the morning with a passenger in the vehicle.
The car sped away in 30 miles per hour at speeds of up to 60 mph.
During the pursuit, the car went through a no-entry road, got onto the sidewalk, and crossed an intersection without braking.
Though there seemed to be no way out, Rothwell made alarming efforts to escape.
Prosecutor Peter Malone said, “The Ford rammed back into the front of the police vehicle. The officer ran to the driver’s door. He could hear the car screeching.
“The officer fired a taser, initially it had little effect, the car was still turning. The taser was discharged again. The officer finally pulled the key out of the ignition. ”
Rothwell was arrested and subjected to a breath alcohol test and found that there was 83 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Just eight days before the incident last month, he was banned from court for drunk driving.
Furze Avenue Rothwell admitted to being under the influence of alcohol despite being disqualified, uninsured, and dangerous.
James Preece, who defended himself, said Rothwell pleaded guilty on the first opportunity, speeds were not as high as other dangerous driving incidents, and since it happened around 2 a.m., there was less chance of anyone being injured.
Recorder Imran Shafi QC said, “Your driving was horrific. You didn’t care if someone got in your way, if you were injured or even killed, which could well happen.
“Apparently there is no reason to suspend a prison sentence.
“There is every reason not to suspend the sentence if you completely disregard court orders”
He put Rothwell in prison for 16 months and banned him from driving for four years and seven months.
