A DRINK driver who hit speeds of 80mph and crashed into a garden wall during a police pursuit has avoided jail.

Christopher Hyde, of The Walk, Sedgley, was determined to evade police officers as he was heavily intoxicated, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

A patrolling police officer had spotted Hyde’s car in the early hours and when he sped away he gave chase, said Howard Searle, prosecuting.

Hyde drove at speed during the pursuit and when he was in Sandyfields Road, Sedgley, he hit 80mph before losing control as he took a bend.

The Vauxhall crashed into a brick wall before hitting a parked car and Hyde had to be taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, said Mr Searle.

When Hyde’s car was taken into storage after the accident the vehicle was checked and the stun gun was found in the boot.

When later questioned, Hyde, who was twice over the legal alcohol limit, told officers he had found the weapon in a pub and it had intended to hand it over to police.

Hyde, aged 36, admitted driving dangerously, with excess alcohol and also possessing a prohibited weapon.

He was given an 18 month jail term, suspended for two years and was placed on supervision for two years with a condition he attends an alcohol treatment programme.

Hyde was disqualified from driving for four years and told he must obey a four month curfew between 7pm and 6am and pay £340 costs.

Judge Martin Walsh said it was only down to good fortune that no-one had been “seriously injured or worse," adding: “What you did was reprehensible in the extreme.”

Christopher O’Gorman, defending, said that Hyde - a man of previous good character - was full of remorse for his actions.

He said his behaviour had “sent shock waves” through his family and he accepted it could have had extremely serious consequences.

Mr O’Gorman added: “His drinking affected his decision making.”