A drink-driver being pursued by police ignored red lights and disappeared from view, Selkirk Sheriff Court heard this week.
After seeing the car parked at the roadside, officers gave chase on foot and Joshua Bird, who was also banned from driving at the time, was arrested.
Bird, 24, of Mill Road, Stow, was sentenced to a two-year community payback order with 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also banned from driving for five years and ordered to resit an extended test.
Bird admitted driving a car dangerously, while under the influence of alcohol and at excessive speed on the A7 Galashiels-Stow road on January 31. He also pleaded guilty to driving the vehicle while disqualified, without insurance and with a breath-alcohol reading of 68 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.
Police spotted a vehicle coming out of the High Street car park in Galashiels shortly after midnight.
Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said: “It pulled out in front of them and they followed it. It continued to be driven in an erratic manner, weaving about the road, and, as they reached the 40mph limit, police activated the blue lights.
“It sped off, pulling away from them, so the police activated the siren, which was also ignored. Other police vehicles were deployed and a stinger authorised.”
The police vehicle continued to follow the car which came to a red light at roadworks near Stow. But Ms Bradley told the hearing: “It ignored the red light and travelled through at some speed. There was mud on the road and it was slippery.”
Officers were unable to make up ground and the tail lights of the car were seen entering a built-up area.
Police travelling from Edinburgh were informed and the car was found parked at the roadside on a minor road outside Stow. Officers saw two men covered in mud and a foot chase followed.
Ms Bradley went on: “It was clear they were both drunk, and when the accused was searched the car keys were found in his pocket. He confirmed he was the driver and a check confirmed he was disqualified.”
Defence solicitor Robert More said there were “little, if any, mitigating factors”.