A DRINK driver almost collided with a police patrol vehicle after just managing to overtake a lorry in dangerous fashion, a court heard.

Stephen Richard Bell was found to be three-and-a-half times above the drink drive limit after coming to police attention as he narrowly completed the overtaking manoeuvre in his silver Ford Focus on the A177 at Coxhoe, at 2.25pm on Monday June 18.

Durham Crown Court heard the police driver had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with the Focus.

The officer turned his vehicle round and put on the siren and blue lights, in pursuit of the Focus.

Jonathan Harley, prosecuting, said the Focus turned right, heading towards Metal Bridge and performed another “heedless” overtaking manoeuvre on a blind bend before attempting to turn left.

Due to his speed, he was unable to complete the turn and went straight over the central reserve and across the opposite carriageway, narrowly avoiding another lorry before coming to a halt on a grass verge at the other side of the road.

Mr Harley said as the officer reached the car he immediately formed the view Bell he was under the influence of alcohol.

Bell was taken to Durham City Police Station where he gave a breath test reading of 122mg for alcohol compared to the legal limit for driving of 35.

The 43-year-old defendant, of Thinford Street, Metal Bridge, admitted charges of dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.

Mr Harley said among Bell’s five previous convictions is one for careless driving.

Stephen Hamill, in mitigation, said although police estimated Bell reached speeds of up to 100-miles per hour on 60-limit roads, the short episode of bad driving was only over a total distance of 1.1km, lasting between 30 and 40 seconds.

Mr Hamill said the “trustworthy and hard-working” joiner was out of work at the time, as his previous seasonal contract ended in April, although he now has the offer of a job.

He said that Bell was struggling with medical and mental health issues at the time which led him to drink more than he should.

But, Mr Hamill added: “He has no regards for himself, in terms of pity, as he knows he was incredibly fortunate no-one was injured here.”

Jailing him for seven-and-a-half months, Judge Jonathan Carroll told Bell: “You had complete disregard for other road users.

“You were not only chancing your own life but also those of complete innocent people using that road.”

Bell was banned from driving for 15-and-a-half months.