A MAN who was told his dangerous driving could have killed a police officer has been spared jail.

John Duckett, of Brandy Brook in Johnstown, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old had previously admitted drug-driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop for a police officer.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told the court that at around 2am on August 26, police spotted a white van parked in the Johnstown Co-op car park, which struck them as unusual.

Deciding to check why the vehicle was there, the officers pulled into the car park, and came 'head-to-head' with the van in a narrow section of the road, blocking its exit.

The driver, Duckett, told them he was just there to use the cash machine - but he was sweating and appeared nervous.

As the police began to suspect he may be under the influence of something, a second vehicle pulled into the location.

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And while police diverted their attention to pulling the newcomer over, Duckett put the van in gear, revved loudly and moved the van forward.

It mounted a kerb as it lurched forwards and over a grass verge, eventually re-joining the road and disappearing from view.

One of the officers, a Special Constable who had only been on duty for a matter of weeks, was forced to dive out of the way as Duckett made his escape.

The court was told if she hadn't, she could have been struck and seriously hurt - or killed.

Later that day, Duckett was found and arrested. 

Drug tests showed he had cocaine in his system - which later turned out to be no less than 400 microgrammes per litre of blood (the limit being 50.)

When he was interviewed by police, he said he'd panicked and made the wrong choice, which he regretted.

A probation officer told the court that the reason the defendant had panicked was that he had cocaine with him in the car park, and "wasn't thinking clearly."

The self employed electrical engineer was in "such a state" when he got home that he consumed a large amount of the drug and went to bed, the officer said, adding his relationship with his partner of four years had broken down, and he "couldn't take it well" - turning to drink and drugs as a coping strategy.

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Patrick Geddes, defending, handed up a number of references for his client - which the court heard made clear he was "extremely well regarded" by those in his industry.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant the starting point had to be an immediate custodial sentence, but after hearing there was a chance of rehabilitation for Duckett, he drew back.

The Judge handed down a total sentence of 52 weeks, suspended for 18 months.

Duckett must undertake 25 days of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work.
He was banned from driving for 30 months and must pay £85 costs, as well as a £187 victim surcharge.