A SOLDIER'S car crashed through a bush and careered along the road on two wheels before landing on its roof following a police pursuit, a court heard yesterday.

Jamie May, 19, was said to be "clearly drunk" when police pulled him and his passenger from the upturned car in Croft Road, Darlington.

He told police he had 200 steroid tablets down the side of his seat.

The bench at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday accepted they were for his personal use.

Jonathan Bambro, prosecuting, told the court thatMay was driving too fast in his Ford Focus in Parkside Road at 2.05am on January 14, attracting the attention of two police officers.

After travelling well in excess of the speed limit and ignoring the pursuing officers, he crashed into the bush, travelling a distance on two wheels, before eventually landing on his roof.

Mr Bambro said: "Due to its position in the mud, the officer could not open the doors but could hear shouts for help from inside the vehicle.

"He used his baton to smash the window and get both Mr May and his passenger out safely. The officer noticed the defendant's speech was slurred and that he was unsteady on his feet."

May gave a reading of 82microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Stephen Andrews, for May, said he could not account for his behaviour. He had been drinking with a friend in Darlington and was planning on sleeping at his house.

Mr Andrews said: "He cannot explain why he decided to get into the car. He became aware the police were after him only when he heard the sirens.

"A t this point he panicked - he had 200 tablets in the car and knew he would be in trouble.

"He is not the type of lad who would normally get into trouble with the law. He has an exemplary military record and will no doubt face consequences for his actions from the Army."

May, from Westmoreland Street, Darlington, has served for three years and four months as a gunner with the 4th Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He was shown leniency by magistrates after pleading guilty to drink-driving and possession of the steroids.

Chairman of the bench Greg Hart said: "We will disqualify you for 17 months which is the minimum we can offer."

May was also fined £500 and ordered to pay £100 costs.