A MAN drove at speeds approaching 80mph through residential areas of Newport to try to escape police, fearing he might be over the drink driving limit.

Scott Stephens is beginning a six-month prison sentence for what a judge called “dangerous and foolhardy” driving on June 18 this year. Stephens, aged 28, of Tennyson Road, Maindee, Newport, has previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

Newport Crown Court heard he was taking friends home in his Vauxhall Corsa after a night out. Police spotted the car on Chepstow Road and were concerned about some damage, and the number of passengers.

They followed, but after turning onto Somerton Road, Stephens sped away over the railway bridge and into Nash Road, reaching 77mph, the court heard.

Braking hard, he turned onto the Southern Distributor Road. Officers were concerned at the car’s load, as it seemed low to the ground.

The Corsa was driven into Ringland Circle and Hendre Farm Drive, again at speed on narrow residential streets.

“Had any vehicle been coming towards the Corsa, there would have been a serious collision,” said prosecutor Matthew Roberts.

He said Stephen drove with such force over speed bumps, sparks flew from beneath the vehicle.

A ‘stinger’ device deployed on Llanwern Road did not stop the car, and it took three attempts before the pursuing police car was able to overtake and force it to a halt. The court heard, Stephens tried to flee but was detained.

He threatened the arresting officers, and claimed he had taken cocaine, though a test was negative.

Defence counsel Steve Thomas said Stephens accepted this was serious offending, “and exceptionally dangerous driving over a prolonged period.”

“It was impulsive behaviour. He panicked when saw the police and did not think of the consequences. He is genuinely remorseful,” said Mr Thomas.

The judge, Recorder Greg Bull, told Stephens this was “a wholly unnecessary chase.”

“You thought you might be under the influence (of alcohol). This is not only foolhardy, but placed you, your passengers, and other road users in danger,” he said.

As well as the prison sentence, Stephens is banned from driving for three years.

He also admitted failing to stop when ordered to by a police officer. His licence was endorsed on both charges.