A DRUNK driver reached speeds of 70mph through a town as he tried to shake off his police pursuers, a court was told.

Jamie McLachlan, driving a Volkswagen car, collided with a Ford Fiesta, knocking it onto a footpath, as he undertook it, Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates yesterday.

The 27-year-old narrowly missed hitting two pedestrians as he cut a corner before abandoning the car and running off with his two female passengers.

Mrs Tyrer said the chase began when the VW sped off after a police van pulled alongside in Claro Road, Harrogate, on October 21.

Officers estimated that McLachlan reached speeds of 70mph in a 30mph zone as he raced through the town.

Police searched the area where the car was abandoned and spotted McLachlan, who ran off. He was caught by police and given a breath test, which revealed he was twice over the drink drive limit.

McLachlan, of Birch Grove, Harrogate, admitted dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report it and not stopping for police.

The magistrates decided to send McLachlan to York Crown Court for sentence by a judge on March 4 after learning the maximum they could impose was six months in custody.