Drink-driver jumped red lights in Wolverhampton police chase

Nicholas Carless, from Albion Street, Wolverhampton, was spotted driving through a red light heading towards the Bilston Road island on Pipers Row by police officers at around 2.30am on July 18.

He then drove through another red light as the police pursued him, before turning into Union Mill Street in Horseley Fields and stopping his car.

Carless appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to drink driving and dangerous driving at a previous hearing without legal aid.

Prosecutor Mr Roger Blezzard said: "The defendant led police on a chase, admittedly a small one, in the city centre.

"He went through two red lights and when he was found by police, his breath smelled of alcohol."

The court heard that Carless had gone out for a friends birthday party, intending to have just one drink and drive home, but he was 'coerced' into staying out until the early hours.

When the night was over, his friends again encouraged him to drive them home because they didn't have enough money to pay for a taxi.

Defence solicitor Antoinette Lynch said: "He knows it was a silly decision, he shouldn't have driven.

"He panicked when he saw the police and drove through a red light, when he now admits he should have simply stopped."

The case has been adjourned as deputy district judge Sophie Toms wanted to clarify whether any other drivers were on the road at the time of the incident after Carless claimed there was no other drivers around.

It will resume on September 30 after CCTV footage has been obtained.

She said: "There is a difference between what you are saying and what the court has been told about whether there was anyone else on the road at the time.

"It is something we need to get correct before I can make a decision."