A MERCEDES driver tried to escape from police on Christmas Day by mounting a busy Bradshawgate pavement.

Rafaqat Khan, who had no licence and had been drinking, drove along the pavement before speeding off towards Tonge Moor Road at up to 70mph.

At Bolton Crown Court David Lees, prosecuting, told how Khan, a 41-year-old father-of-three had numerous convictions for offences including driving while banned and three previous drink driving convictions.

He told how, at 1.20am police were alerted to Khan’s car, stopped outside the Sizzling Palate, by his erractic behaviour. But when officers arrived on the scene Khan sped off along the pavement., leading police on a 0.8 mile pursuit before turning into a side street and crashing into roller shutters, wedging the car between the shutters and a wall.

“He was driving erratically and almost hit a police vehicle,” said Mr Lees.

He was breathalysed and found to have drunk almost twice the alcohol limit.

Khan, of Mayor Street, Bolton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drink driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

Colin Buckle, defending, said “It is embarrassing. He is 41 and he is still committing offences like this. His family are sick to death of his behaviour. They are at breaking point.

“The defendant tells me this is the last time he is going into custody or commits offences like this.”

“It is time he put an end to this dangerous and childish behaviour.”

Khan appears via video link from prison having been remanded in custody since Boxing Day.

Judge Graeme Smith told him he considered jailing him for several weeks more.

He said: “I pause to ask myself ‘what is that going to achieve’. It doesn’t assist in rehabilitating you.”

Instead Khan was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work, participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities and have nine months of alcohol treatment.

He was also banned from applying for a driving licence for four years.