A DRINK driver, who sped through Bolton at speeds over 60mph, told police officers he was late for a train.

Appearing at Manchester Crown Court, Gulam Sadek, 30, pleaded guilty to charges of driving without due care and attention and driving while above the alcohol limit following the incident on November 21, 2019.

Jane Dagnell, prosecuting, said Sadek was spotted by police at around 8.20pm driving his BMW through a red light at speed on Blackburn Road.

The officers set off in pursuit of Sadek who was seen driving on the wrong side of the road and overtaking several cars at speeds of around 65mph in a 30mph zone.

Sadek was then seen undertaking a vehicle and breaking sharply before pulling over.

Sadek, of Hallbridge Gardens, Bolton, gave a positive roadside breath test of 53mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Rachel Woods, defending, said Sadek told the officers his passenger was running late for a train.

Ms Woods said Sadek’s circumstances were “desperate” due to his work as a travel agent being affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Judge Timothy Stead adjourned the case until June 12 for details of Sadek’s earnings and financial circumstances to be established.