A MAN who drank from a Carling can as he led police on a 100mph chase has been spared jail.
Todd Owens, of Mount Pleasant in Methodist Hill, Froncysyllte, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Thursday.
The 29-year-old had previously been convicted of dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, criminal damage and driving whilst unfit through drink.
Karl Scholz, prosecuting, said Owens' offending began on the morning of March 7 this year, when he and his partner visited a friend's home in Chirk.
He appeared 'agitated' and was asked to leave, which he did.
But then Owens kicked the front door of the property and began ripping at fence panels, damaging them.
He also behaved aggressively towards the person he and his partner had gone to see, "taking hold of her and swinging her around" whilst shouting abuse.
Police were informed of the incident as it was unfolding.
As officers made their way to the scene, they spotted Owens driving in Chirk.
He was heading the wrong way down a one-way system and stopped some five feet in front of an oncoming police car, before reversing back out and making off - giving officers the middle finger as he did.
The defendant travelled along the A5 at high speed, at one point reaching 110mph whilst overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic.
The pursuit lasted just over half an hour and saw him going though Ruabon, exceeding 50mph in a 20 zone and travelling on the wrong side of the road.
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He went onto the A483 and was seen drinking from a can of Carling as police drew level with him at 100mph.
After taking the A483 junction one roundabout on the wrong side, he headed through Llangollen at high speed and forced his way through traffic; colliding with another vehicle but not stopping.
Eventually his front tyres were deflated by a police stinger and he was caught.
Alexandra Carrier, defending, told the court: "Mr Owens is realistic and has come prepared today.
"He realises how serious the offences are and demonstrates genuine remorse.
"He has said he is really sorry and that his actions were stupid."
Ms Carrier said her client's issues, including "unprocessed grief" had seen him turn to using alcohol and drugs.
"He struggles with thinking and processing," she added.
"These are aspects he seeds further support with."
Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "You gave the finger to the police.
"The court can give one back to you.
"This was a prolonged piece of dangerous driving, and I have a stark choice."
The Judge imposed a 12 month custodial term, but suspended it for 18 months on the basis that the defendant could undertake rehabilitative work.
He must carry out 30 rehabilitation activity days, a 120 day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.
A driving ban of two years was imposed.
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