Dudley drink-driver leapt from moving car in police chase

Asaf Hussain was spotted overtaking a bus and driving towards oncoming traffic in Dudley by patrolling officers on October 17 last year.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday how Hussain, aged 32, leapt out of his car while it was still moving and spat at police as they tried to arrest him.

Ms Sati Ruck, prosecuting, said: "Officers saw a Ford Focus driving around a bus, causing it to brake sharply, and towards oncoming traffic.

"He was followed and he has then driven through a red light.

"The defendant has then pulled up onto a drive and jumped out while it was moving.

"This has caused the car to crash into the property in Park Head Road causing damage. He was restrained by officers and made threats to them and spat at them. Half a bottle of vodka was found on the passenger seat.

"The defendant was taken back to police station where he gave a reading of 63 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath.

"The legal limit is 35 microgrammes."

The court heard that Hussain had been convicted in 2007 for drink driving and was given a fine and a driving ban.

Mr Martin Fowler, defending Hussain, said: "You will see he hasn't had any convictions since 2008. That is because he has been an industrious law-abiding citizen. On this day in question he simply fell into old ways. At 32 he's still a relatively young man who has two children who require a considerable amount of care."

Hussain, of Malvern Crescent, Holly Hall, Dudley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol and an assault on a police officer.

He was given a 40-week prison sentence which was suspended for two years.

Hussain must be supervised for 12 months and take part in the Thinking Skills programme.