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Drink driver smashed into wall after high speed police chase

A drink driver led police on a high speed chase before smashing his Vauxhall into a garden wall and another vehicle, a court heard.

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Christopher Hyde made a determined bid to evade being caught by officers in Dudley, said Judge Martin Walsh.

He said 36-year-old Hyde had been 'heavily intoxicated' and it was only down to good fortune that no-one had been 'seriously injured or worse'.

Hyde was injured in the crash and taken to hospital for treatment.

Judge Walsh told Hyde, at the hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, said: "What you did was reprehensible in the extreme."

Hyde, of The Walk, Sedgley, admitted driving dangerously, with excess alcohol and also possessing a prohibited weapon – a stun gun.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said a patrolling police officer had spotted Hyde's car in the early hours and when he sped away he gave chase.

Hyde drove at speed during the pursuit and when he was in Sandyfields Road, Sedgley he hit 80mph before losing control as he took a bend in the vehicle.

The Vauxhall crashed into a brick wall before hitting a parked car and Hyde had to be taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, said Mr Searle.

When Hyde's car was taken into storage after the accident the vehicle was checked and the stun gun was found in the boot.

When questioned later Hyde who was twice over the permitted alcohol limit told officers he had found the weapon in a pub and it had been his intention to hand it over to police.

The chase took place on December 20 last year.

Hyde was given an 18 month jail term suspended for two years by Judge Walsh.

He was also placed on supervision for two years with a condition that he attends an alcohol treatment programme.

He was further disqualified from driving for four years as part of his sentence.

Judge Walsh also told him that he must obey a four-month curfew between the hours of 7pm and 6am.

Mr Christopher O'Gorman, defending, told Wolverhampton Crown Court that Hyde – a man of previous good character – was full of remorse for his actions, realising the serious nature of the crash.

He said his behaviour had 'sent shock waves' through his family and he accepted it could have had extremely serious consequences.

Mr O'Gorman said Hyde felt shame for what he did adding, "His drinking affected his decision making."

Judge Walsh also ordered Hyde to pay court costs of £340.

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