A MAN who claims he was on his way to a “medical emergency” involving his pregnant partner when he was chased by police has dodged jail.

Kyle Atkinson, of Wigan Road, Leigh, was spotted driving with a faulty headlight when he was stopped by police on August 21 last year.

Instead of stopping he tried to flee from police - driving at speeds of up to 48mph in a built-up area, where other motorists and pedestrians were around.

Father-of-two Atkinson, 28, then abandoned his car, before being caught by officers. The car had belonged to his stepdad, said prosecutor David Lees.

The court was shown video footage, which saw Atkinson drive through two red lights, as well as spending parts of the pursuit on the wrong side of the road.

He later told police, when interviewed, he was on his way to a “medical emergency involving his pregnant partner.”

Desmond Lennon, defending, said: "I think he was in a bit of a panic.”

Passing sentence, Recorder Ciaran Rankin told the defendant: “There was a considerable amount of man power and resources applied to this chase.

“It was pathetic to think you could outrun a police car and police officers.

“You didn’t do yourself any favours during interview, by refusing to make any comments.

“You said you were driving because you were on your way to deal with a medical emergency involving your pregnant partner.

“That may or may not be correct. But one way of ensuring this didn’t happen quickly was by involving yourself in a police pursuit.

“You couldn’t really complain if you went to custody today, however, you do not have to go to prison.”

He was sentenced to an 18-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 125 hours of unpaid work, as well as a 12-month driving ban.