A DRUNK driver who sped through Poole at up to 70 mph has been jailed for 20 months.

Father-of-three Kevin Wakenshaw ignored red lights, narrowly missed hitting another motorist, mounted the pavement and struck a water pump during an early morning police chase.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Timothy Coombes recalled how officers had spotted Wakenshaw's car driving off from Poole Quay with its hazard lights on in the early hours of June 19 this year.

Wakenshaw, who had downed almost two and a half times the legal drink-drive alcohol limit, overtook another vehicle in Old Orchard as police followed, with their blue lights flashing.

He drove through red traffic lights at the West Street junction, narrowly missing another vehicle before going over the lifting bridge.

As Wakenshaw travelled along Blandford Road, he reached speeds of up to 70 mph before braking heavily and skidding. The car's wheels locked and one tyre burst as he hit the pavement but Wakenshaw continued his journey, speeding through red traffic lights at the Turlin Road junction.

Wakenshaw tried to flee. During a struggle one constable was hit in the face and suffered a cut lip. "He was highly abusive. Restraining him was difficult. In his own words he said he had been driving like a nutter," said Mr Coombes. The 36-year-old, of Manton Road, Hamworthy, admitted dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, assault and having no insurance.

In his defence, the court heard how Wakenshaw had little memory of the incident because alcohol had "impaired his judgement" and he had panicked when he realised he was being followed by police.

Recorder Jeremy Gibbons QC told him: "These offences are so serious only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. I regard you as a menace when you are behind the wheel."

Wakenshaw was banned from driving for five years and ordered to take an extended driving test.