A 24-YEAR-old drunk driver, who crashed his car after reaching more than double the speed limit during a police chase, has been jailed for 15 months.

Dusan Gyure had only been driving the Ford Focus because his friend was too drunk to drive, the court heard.

But Gyure himself was found to be almost a third over the drink-drive limit after his attempts to evade police.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, told Bradford Crown Court that Gyure, who needed a Hungarian interpreter, had been spotted by two police officers on patrol in the early hours of July 26 at a petrol station just off Killinghall Road in Bradford.

Gyure, of Stanacre Place, Wapping, sped off when he saw the police and ended up crashing on nearby Otley Road after a short chase.

Ms Pryke said: “The defendant sped towards the city centre at speeds in excess of 70mph in a 30mph zone.

“He approached a left hand bend but due to his excessive speed, was unable to navigate it and he crossed over the white lines onto the opposite carriageway and eventually collided with the offside kerb.”

The court heard that Gyure worked full-time in a meat factory in Wakefield and helped to support his retired parents, who he lived with.

Stephen Wood, for Gyure, said his actions had been “utterly stupid” but that he had shown a “great level of remorse”.

His friend was too drunk to drive, he he didn’t think he was as drunk, so opted to drive instead, he told the court.

He added that there were no other vehicles or any pedestrians involved in the crash, and the chase was relatively short - for just over half a mile.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC sentenced the 24-year-old to 15 months in jail, giving him credit for pleading guilty to the charges.

He was also disqualified from driving for 31 and a half months and must take an extended re-test.

There was no separate penalty for the offences of driving without a licence or insurance.

Judge Durham Hall said: “You made a decision to drive a motorcar, foolishly choosing to drive yourself, knowing you were also affected by alcohol and over the limit.”

He added: “The risk to you and your passenger, to the police, to anybody else who could well have been driving by, is obvious.”

In jailing Gyure, he added: “I’m sorry for you and your parents who you support, but the court’s duty is clear.”