Wolverhampton student fled police in high-speed drink-drive chase
A sports science student led police on a high-speed chase through the Black Country in his BMW convertible, a judge heard.
University of Wolverhampton student Sandeep Singh, who was almost twice the drink-drive limit, 'panicked' when police ordered him to stop in Telford Way, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
The 21-year-old accelerated away at such speed that the pursuit was eventually called off because of the risk to other road users, explained Mr Geoffrey Dann, prosecuting.
The sports car was registered to an address in Charter Road, Tipton and another police officer later found it parked close to that address with Singh still behind the wheel, the crown court was told.
But he drove away again when the officer approached the BMW and the vehicle was then picked up by a third police patrol as it reached 80mph in a 30mph limit before smashing into a kerb in Wednesbury Oak Road, Tipton, revealed the prosecutor.
The impact burst a tyre but the sports car continued to tear along at up to 57mph on the rim of the wheel in a cloud of sparks, the court was told.
The BMW hit another kerb in Tipton High Street and came to a standstill before twice reversing into the pursuing police car and speeding away, continued Mr Dann.
It was finally halted after it had gone 100 yards down the pavement in Batmans Hill Road, Princes End at around 2am on January 3, it was said.
Police officers had to smash a window of the BMW with a baton to pull Singh out, the court heard.
A breath test revealed an alcohol content of 66 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Mr Sean Sidhu-Brar, defending, said: "He had been drinking in Birmingham but foolishly decided to drive home because the journey was not far.
"When he saw the blue lights on the police car he panicked."
Singh, from Charter Road and of previous good character pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, drink-driving and having no insurance.
"He was given an eight month jail sentence suspended under supervision for two years with 200 hours unpaid work and a three year driving ban.
Judge Andrew Lockhart QC told him: "You had been drinking, took a chance and drove home.
"In your attempt to evade the police you put the lives of the officers, your passengers and other members of the public at risk."
