A dangerous driver who tried to give police the slip, ditched his car and then tried to flee on foot.

Lee Irwin, 41, ignored a roundabout at James Street, in Carlisle, and then took a sharp left-hand bend on the wrong side of the road as an officer gave chase at 50mph in the city on the late afternoon of May 7.

Irwin eventually abandoned his Vauxhall Vectra and waded through chest-high river water near Denton Holme before he was finally collared by a pursuing PC.

At Carlisle Crown Court today Irwin was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to five crimes. These were dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving without a full licence, no insurance and obstructing a police officer.

Irwin, of Merith Avenue, Carlisle, was given a six-month night-time curfew by Judge Peter Hughes QC, and banned from driving for four years.

He must pass an extended test before next getting behind the wheel.