A Harwich man dodged a prison sentence as a judge deems it “realistic for rehabilitation” despite his age. 

Gordan Bees appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court following an incident in Harwich last October. 

Sasha Bailey, prosecuting, said Bees was spotted lying in the middle of a road and was approached by a woman and an off-duty police officer, who was helping a friend at the time. 

The woman and the officer tried to help the 71-year-old, who got up and went to his Vauxhall Corsa and drove off. 

Sentenced - Gordon Bees, 71, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown CourtSentenced - Gordon Bees, 71, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court

Knowing Bees had been in a concerning state, the officer tried to follow his vehicle and called 999. 

Ms Bailey told the court the officer described his driving as “swerving from lane to lane at excess speed”, “ignoring a red light” and “braking excessively”. 

The defendant crashed into a garden fence in Orwell Road, and the police officer went to check on him before arresting Bees. 

Bees reportedly had his right fist clenched and the officer told him “Don’t try it” when the defendant spat at him. 

Mark Stevens, mitigating, told the court that Bees was sorry for his actions. 

He said: “He would like to apologise for his appalling behaviour. He accepts spitting as a disgusting thing to do. There might have been no physical but emotional trauma.” 

Bees admitted dangerous driving and assaulting an emergency worker prior to sentencing on Wednesday (September 11).

The court heard he had a number of previous convictions and had been diagnosed as bi-polar.

Recorder Paul Sharkey said: “It is clear that your mental health has had an impact on your behaviour.”

But he said Bees had a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation”.

Bees, of All Saints Close, was given a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years, 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring and 80 hours of unpaid work. 

He was disqualified from driving for three years and will have to take an extended re-test. 

He will also appear before Colchester magistrates in October for racially abusing staff at a Nationwide Bank branch.