A DRUG dealer who led police on a chase on country roads at speeds of up to 90mph and through red lights has been convicted of dangerous driving.

A judge at Swindon Crown Court handed down a 12-month prison suspended prison sentence to Harry Radford after hearing he was pulled over by police while under the influence of cannabis and cocaine.

The 20-year-old of Audley Road, Chippenham, admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply, dangerous driving and two counts of driving under the influence of drugs.

During the pursuit from Cricklade towards Minety on September 4 last year Radford’s Subaru Impreza mounted the verge and went the wrong way round a roundabout before the police lost him, the court heard.

He was next spotted behind the wheel of a BMW in Chippenham on November 30 and arrested with 15 wraps of cannabis on him. When he was blood tested he was double the limit for both cannabis and cocaine.

Three weeks later he was spotted on the A3102 and followed to Stoneover Lane in Royal Wootton Bassett.

A roadside blood test showed he was seven times the limit for cocaine and two-and-a-half times the limit for cannabis.

Mike Jeary, defending, said Radford had been influenced by friends in Cirencester who supplied him with drugs. He then supplied other friends.

"I think he was probably encouraged by those who find cannabis and cocaine recreational drugs. He doesn't blame anyone else. He accepts he was responsible."

Radford had been at college and had been offered an apprenticeship as a plasterer which he hoped to take with the support of his family.

Suspending the sentence for two years Recorder Stephen Hall warned Radford if he reoffended during that time it was highly likely he would be jailed.

"You may not have been aware that there is no difference from having excess alcohol in your blood stream or excess drugs. It is a significant matter which brings danger to other road users.

"What I have to do is impose a fair sentence that reflects the gravity and seriousness of your offending over that time, and reflects your youthfulness.

He also banned Radford from getting behind the wheel for two years, ordered him to do 150 hours of unpaid work and undergo treatment for drug dependency.

“He is a danger to other road users and the manner of his driving on this particular day in September was completely reckless with no regard to others,” said Sgt Phil Connor after the hearing on May 18. “He was very fortunate that nobody was injured, or worse, killed.”