A motorist drove through a red traffic light when a police car stopped behind him at road works in Patchinghall Lane, Chelmsford.

The police car followed, a chase ensued and Peter Cousins was eventually booked for dangerous driving, Samantha Leigh prosecuting told Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday.

Cousins, 27, of Kings Road, Chelmsford, admitted driving dangerously on October 5 and failing to take an alcohol breath test.

He was banned from driving for a year, ordered to take an extended driving test and fined £500 with £250 court costs.

Miss Leigh said after leaving the road works Cousins drove through a residential area in excess of the 30mph speed limit and mounted the kerb to avoid speed humps.

Despite police sirens and flashing lights Cousins drove around a second police car used as a road block. He exceeded the speed limit and narrowly missed an oncoming car. He eventually stopped in Park Avenue and refused to take a breath test.

Mark Roochove mitigating said Cousins admitted he acted stupidly and it was a momentary lapse due to panic. Losing his licence would cost him his three year job as a pest control officer.

Recorder Timothy Ashe QC said: "Dangerous driving is a serious matter."

Published Thursday, February 21, 2002