A dangerous driver has avoided jail after causing over £48k of damage to police cars trying to evade arrest in West Oxfordshire.

Mark Minchin was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (September 19) for one count of dangerous driving and five counts of criminal damage.

The 31-year-old was involved in a police chase in the early hours of August 17 this year near Witney after officers stopped his car and asked him to complete a roadside breathalyser.

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Reportedly, fearing he would be caught with one wrap of cocaine, Minchin fled the scene and a police chase commenced.

When cornered in a pub car park, he reversed multiple times into five different police cars causing over £48k of damage.

Recorder Smith handed Minchin 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He said: “Make no mistake, this is a punishment.

“It was a finely balanced decision, I very nearly sent you to prison today. On this occasion, I adopted a merciful approach.”

Prosecuting the case, barrister Bethan Chichester said Minchin was pulled over by police in Radford, near Chipping Norton, and it was noted his eyes were ‘widened’ and he was shaking.

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When asked to complete a roadside drug test, Minchin sped off towards Stonesfield village before driving onto the A44.

He was recorded driving at speeds of 40mph down 20mph roads.

A stop stick was placed on the A44 but Minchin avoided this and drove into the carpark of The Duke Of Marlborough pub in Woodstock.

Another stop stick was placed in the car park causing Minchin to brake suddenly. He then reversed back and hit a police car multiple times before fleeing the car park.

He later returned and caused further damage to four more cars, setting off the airbag in one, whilst attempting to flee the pub a second time.

The total amount of damage was £48,212.07. Minchin eventually fled by food.

Defending Minchin, barrister Christopher Pembridge said he had recently completed a residential rehab and was fearful of telling his family he had been caught with cocaine.

He said his client is ‘genuinely remorseful’ and wants to make it clear he was not intended to injury any officers.

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Minchin, of Akeman Street, Combe, Witney, was disqualified for three years and will need to take an extended retest to drive again.

He was also ordered to complete six months of mental health treatment, 12 days of a specified programme and 150 hours of unpaid work.

The driver will also need to pay £100 per month in compensation for three years.