Shropshire driver tried to dodge police after drinking

Police finally brought Andrew Waugh to a halt on the outskirts of Wem by blocking his way with their own vehicles.

When officers finally arrested Waugh they found that he had been driving with his 13-year-old son in the front of the car.

Magistrates at Telford heard that Waugh, 47, of Morton Road, Prees, had not wanted to stop because he did not want his son to see him arrested.

He pleaded guilty to failing to stop and to failing to provide a breath specimen.

Prosecuting, Mrs Kate Price, said Waugh had been driving a black Jaguar XF on the A49, near Preston Brockhurst, on Saturday when police in an unmarked vehicle noticed the vehicle swerving between the kerb and crossing over the double white lines in the centre of the road.

Officers switched on their lights and the defendant slowed down, before driving off, said Mrs Price.

The officers were "very concerned about the standard of driving displayed" she said.

The car turned off the A49 and headed towards Wem and officers radioed for back-up.

A stinger trap was set to stop the car on the industrial estate on the edge of Wem, but despite having all the tyres punctured by the device, the defendant still refused to stop, the court was told.

Finally officers blocked the car's way with their own vehicles.

Mrs Price said: "As he got out he seemed unable to stand unsupported and was handcuffed for his own safety."

Waugh's son, who was found in the front passenger seat, appeared "extremely frightened", Mrs Price added.

She said that, once arrested and brought to the police station, the defendant failed to provide a breath test by either not blowing for long enough or not blowing properly into the tubes.

Waugh had been out earlier in the day for a family meal and had later drunk an additional two pints, Mrs Price said.

Waugh, who was not represented, apologised for his behaviour.

He said: "I did not feel at all drunk and don't recognise the way the officers describe how I was driving."

When he saw the police wanted to pull him over he knew he would be arrested and wanted to continue home to finish the matter there.

"I just could not put my son through such a terrible ordeal," he said.

Waugh said he had been unable to provide a breath test due to nerves.

The court was told Waugh earned £170,000 a year. He was banned from driving for 24 months and fined £2,000 for failing to provide a breath test and a further £200 for failing to stop.

Waugh was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £120 victim surcharge.