A MAN crashed into a parked car while disqualified from driving four days after being given a stark warning by a judge that he was facing prison for leading officers on a lengthy police chase.

Alex Richard Ganter, 28, of Young's Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention and assaulting an emergency worker after two separate incidents last year.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday, March 24.

Prosecuting, Peter Pride told the court how, on August 15, Ganter was seen speeding on Barrack Road in Christchurch.

PC Kennedy followed Ganter, and reported oncoming cars taking avoiding action to prevent a crash as the defendant travelled towards Castle Lane East.

A lengthy police chase ensued, passing through Castle Lane West and Holdenhurst Avenue, with Ganter skipping red lights and crossing the central line in the road.

Mr Pride told the court how the defendant drove at speeds as high as 59mph in a 30mph zone.

“The officer reported seeing the defendant with his hand out the window gesturing in a ****** sign towards the officer,” he said.

A stinger was deployed on Uplands Way and when the vehicle eventually stopped, Ganter “laughed and celebrated” the police chase and was arrested.

The 28-year-old was found to be nearly twice the legal alcohol limit, with 63micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on December 21, but the case was adjourned for a psychological assessment.

Judge Brian Forster QC told Ganter at the time it was “likely” he was facing prison and he was bailed.

On Christmas Day, Ganter’s partner phoned the police with a concern for welfare for the defendant. Police found him in Cunningham Drive and a short police chase occurred.

Ganter crashed into a parked van and a wall and when stopped kicked out at officers.

He was also driving without insurance and while disqualified. He then failed to provide a specimen.

Mitigating, Nick Robinson said how Ganter was beaten by his father as a child, and around August fell out with his dad, prompting him to start drinking.

Then, when he wasn’t sent to prison in December, he didn’t have the maturity to deal with it, and drank for three days.

He said he hadn’t offended since 2013 and he had become “a rock” for his family, who said they’d lost a “sense of direction” since Ganter had been in prison.

He called for a suspended sentence so Ganter could address his trauma and drinking problem.

Mr Robinson said: “This defendant is a really good person who has turned his life around in the last seven years. He is a good person, motivated to change.

“He will know, he will feel it in his bones, if he fails just once he will go to prison.”

Mrs Recorder Louise Harvey sentenced Ganter to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He would also be subject to an alcohol treatment requirement programme for six months.

She said: “Frankly the words have already been used just how despicable that driving was, it is pure luck nobody was injured.

“I am of the view that people who want help who haven’t been given the help deserve the chance.

“You are a very lucky man. I am willing to give you this opportunity so you can address your difficulties. I hope we don’t see you again.”