A drink-driver swerved between lanes and ignored efforts to pull him over as he led police on a dangerous chase.
Qaraman Mohamed was behind the wheel of an Audi A4 in Fougeres Way, Ashford, when he overtook a patrol car at speed and accelerated away.
The 43-year-old, who had no licence or insurance, then weaved in and out of traffic and failed to comply with a “follow me” sign displayed by officers.
He slowed briefly for roadworks but then sped off again, even joining the M20 in a bid to evade capture before finally coming to a stop.
Mohamed, of Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, was arrested and later charged with drink-driving, driving without due care and attention, having no insurance or licence, and failing to stop.
He admitted all the offences when he appeared before Folkestone magistrates, who heard a blood test showed he had 120 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of his blood – the legal limit is 80.
Neil Sweeney, prosecuting, said: “Police on mobile patrol were in Fougeres Way at about 9.15pm and they were overtaken by a black Audi at very high speed.
“They were concerned with the manner of his driving as he was swerving in and out of lanes, but his progress was halted by roadworks.
“As he exited the roadworks, officers managed to overtake him and put on their ‘follow me’ sign, but his vehicle failed to stop and he then overtook them and accelerated off rapidly.”
The court heard Mohamed drove onto the M20, where he again ignored efforts to get him to stop the car.
The prosecutor added: “He got to junction 9 but had to stop at the traffic lights, and again the officers signalled for him to pull over, but he again accelerated away, but eventually came to a stop,” he said.
“The officers determined he needed a roadside breath test as it was apparent (to them) he was under the influence of alcohol, he smelt of it, and his speech was slurred and he had difficulty standing unaided.
“At the station, he attempted to complete the breath test procedure, but didn’t comply with the procedure and became somewhat argumentative and obstructive and was deliberately trying to slow the procedure down.
“We say the manner of his driving was without due care, and he failed to stop several times.
“He was of previous good character up to this point.”
In mitigation, Max Reeves, defending, said Mohamed is an asylum seeker so not allowed to work or claim benefits, relying on family members for accommodation and financial support.
“He has no money directly, but will seek help in paying any penalty from his family,” he added.
“He should be given full credit for his early guilty plea, and he accepts full responsibility and the facts of the prosecution’s case.”
Magistrates banned Mohamed from driving for 16 months – longer than the minimum 12 months due to the combination of offences – and fined him £120 for drink-driving and £80 for careless driving.
His licence was endorsed but he received no separate penalties for the other offences. He must also pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs within six months.
The court heard the Audi did not belong to Mohamed, but ownership of the vehicle was not disclosed.
