A BUSINESSMAN who smashed into a wall trying to get away from police in his Range Rover was more than twice the drink drive limit, a court was told.

Mohammed Syed, 30, who had gone through red traffic lights, fled the vehicle and then pretended he had not been at the wheel.

He had already had previous convictions for failing to provide a breath specimen, excess alcohol and driving while disqualified and had a drink problem because of family and business problems, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Syed, now running a financial services company, was spared jail, but was warned by a judge it was his last chance.

The defendant, of Whalley Road, Simonstone, admitted dangerous driving and excess alcohol, last June 15.

He was given 10 months in custody, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision, the drink impaired drivers’ programme, a two month curfew between 10pm and 7am and 120 hours unpaid work.

He was banned for three years and must pay £1,200 costs.

Philip Holden, for Syed, said at the time his client had often been abusing alcohol.