A MAN with mental health issues, who drove dangerously during a prolonged police chase, was given a suspended prison sentence.

Steven Wing, 56, who suffers from bipolar, caused more than £8,000 damage to two police vehicles he collided with, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

The chase ended when Wing, who was nearly double the drink drive limit, knocked down a telegraph pole and a small garden wall.

Prosecutor Anna Wilkinson said police gave chase after Wing, of Baildon Close, Whinmoor, Leeds, was seen on CCTV staggering about in Bradford city centre and then getting into aToyota Hiace van.

Three police vehicles and a helicopter were involved in the chase around Great Horton, which ended in Hollywood Lane.

the court heard Wing reached a maximum speed of 41mph in a 30mph limit, but mostly drove between 27 and 30mph. But he drove through red lights and in the middle of the road.

His lawyer, Jane Cooper, said her client was clearly unwell at the time but his condition was being dealt with by medication.

Wing was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, with supervision, a community mental health activity requirement, and was banned from driving for three years.