A DRUG addict who spent £200 a day on cocaine, stole his mum's car and rammed a police vehicle.

Bolton Crown Court heard how concerned people contacted police after seeing the Peugeot 207 being driven erratically around Leigh.

But when police pulled alongside the vehicle to talk to the driver, Aaron Prescott, 30, rammed the police car and a Suzuki Ignis which was parked in front and led officers on a chase through residential streets.

He admitted to aggravated vehicle-taking, drink driving, having no licence or insurance and failing to stop after an accident ande was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence.

Victoria Lewis, prosecuting, told how Prescott's mum, Alison, got up for work one morning to find her car keys and Peugeot missing. CCTV footage revealed her drug addict son had taken the vehicle.

Mrs Prescott told police: "I am heartbroken that my own son could do this to me."

Prescott, of Charles Street, Leigh, reaches speeds of 60mph in 20mph limits, drove on the wrong side of the road and forced other road users to swerve out of the way.

The self-employed labourer, then drove off-road and police ran after him. He was caught near the canal and a breath test proved he had been drink driving.

Nathan Davis, defending, said his client's actions were a "cry for help" as he was suffering from low moods and his cocaine addiction had developed into a £200-a-day habit in order to cope with undiagnosed ADHD.

But Prescott has a supportive family and has been drug-free since the incident, he added.

"He is extremely ashamed. This is a man who was at rock bottom at the time of the offences but has taken steps forward to make sure they do not happen again," said Mr Davis.

Judge Tom Gilbart also gave Prescott a 7pm to 6am curfew, with 150 hours of unpaid work, 32 days of rehab activities and a two-year driving ban with an extended test.

Judge Gilbart told him: "This was a cruel offence. You took your own mother's car and then drove in a clearly dangerous way.

"It is a remarkable piece of good fortune that somebody was not seriously injured. This was selfish stupidity by you."