A drink-driver was found cowering in a garden after leading police on a high-speed night-time chase around Carlisle.

Matthew Baty, 19, was sentenced at the city’s crown court for conduct behind the wheel that was branded “appalling” by a judge.

Baty had previously admitted charges of dangerous driving and drink-driving.

Daniel Prowse, prosecuting, said two police officers were in a marked vehicle at 3.45am on November 20.

As they drove from Castle Way towards Hardwicke Circus they saw Baty’s Fiat Punto.

They formed the view his vehicle, carrying four passengers, was speeding and illuminated their blue lights.

“Instead of stopping, the defendant accelerated away,” said Mr Prowse. “Officers sounded the siren and gave chase.”

Baty was said to have travelled through a no entry sign and a red light close to the city centre, before driving across Warwick Road “without looking”.

“The officers estimated at this point he was travelling in excess of 60mph,” said Mr Prowse.

Baty’s car was seen to give off sparks as it “bounced” along a cobbled street before crashing into a garden wall.

Baty ran off, a dog handler was called and he was found hiding in a garden. He admitted he “panicked” and told officers: “I am sorry. I don’t know why I did that.”

He failed a breath test and was found to be just over the legal drink-drive limit.

His lawyer, Malcolm Dodds, said in an address to Judge Tony Lancaster: “You will not meet a more apologetic young man in your time as a judge than this one.

“This behaviour really has taken everybody by surprise, including his parents who are sitting at the back of this court. They are quite stunned that this should happen.”

Baty, of Walkmill Crescent, Carlisle, received a four-month custodial sentence which was suspended for nine months.

He must complete 120 hours’ unpaid work, was banned from driving for 18 months and must take an extended re-test.

“There is no doubt that your driving in that occasion was appalling,” Judge Lancaster told him.