A DRINK driver who led the police on a 130mph chase while using a spare tyre has had his driving ban lifted.
Liam Bingle was banned from the roads for seven years after his alcohol-fuelled escape which saw him travel 25 miles from Marks Tey to Harwich.
Pursuing police officers eventually caught the 31-year-old in the seaside town after he hesitated at a junction and enabled them to employ a tactical manoeuvre.
Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard Bingle, of Ash Grove, Colchester, was arrested and later admitted drink-driving, failing to stop for the police and driving a vehicle in a damaged condition.
Gareth Hunter, prosecuting, stated police officers first spotted Bingle racing another vehicle at a speed of 110mph on the A12 at Marks Tey in April 2016.
Having realised he had attracted their attention, the HGV mechanic pulled onto a slip road before quickly accelerating back onto the A12, hitting a reckless speed of 130mph.
As he was briefly slowed down to 40mph by an oil tanker near the JobServe Community Stadium, Bingle decided to leave the road at the Crown Interchange and sped off up the A120 towards Harwich.
The BMW driver was seen to overtake other vehicles as the A120 became single-carriageway and continued through Dovercourt and into Harwich.
Mr Hunter explained the chase came to an end in Park Road when Bingle hesitated at a junction, allowing the police to halt his vehicle.
“Doing all that with a space saver tyre on the back of the car was a recipe for disaster,” added the prosecutor, who revealed Bingle had 93mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when tested.
Bingle was banned from driving for seven years until May 2023, however he told the court he is ready to get on with his career now and support his family.
“I was young, I was reckless and absolutely foolish. It was a stupid, stupid mistake,” he said.
“I learnt a hard lesson. I have turned around completely since then; I am abstinent from alcohol.”
Deputy District Judge Sarah Hannah granted Bingle his driving licence back, stating: “You are a family man and you want to get on with your life”.
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