A FORMER soldier who led the police on a late-night car chase was over the drink-drive limit and had drugs in his vehicle, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Reece Linley, who saw service in Iraq and Afghanistan, sped away from a marked patrol vehicle in a black Renault Megane at 11pm on July 13.

Linley, who served in the British Army for six years as a lance corporal, failed to stop for police on Idle Road, Bradford.

He accelerated off at 50mph in a 30 zone, prosecutor Caroline Abraham said.

He was pursued down Myers Lane, High House Road, Myers Avenue and Bolton Road.

Miss Abraham said Linley went up to 60mph.

The court was told that he crossed a road without stopping and almost collided with another car.

He then slowed to 10mph and came to a stop after the mile-long pursuit.

Linley, 25, of Markfield Crescent, Low Moor, Bradford, refused to leave his vehicle and was forcibly removed and restrained, while shouting obscenities at the the police officers.

Five small bags of herbal cannabis were found in the Megane and Linley was driving over the legal alcohol limit.

The court heard he had one previous conviction.

That conviction dated from 2010, for burglary.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of cannabis, driving with excess alcohol and obstructing a police constable.

The judge, Recorder Tahir Khan QC, sentenced him to 14 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He will also have to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for 15 months and must pass an extended retest to get his licence back.

Linley’s barrister, Abigail Langford, said he was now self-employed, working for a home improvement company.

He was the father of two children but now living with his grandmother after his relationship with his partner broke down.

Miss Langford said it was a short police pursuit, late at night when the roads were quiet. No one was injured and no damage was caused.

Linley was remorseful and apologetic about his behaviour that night.

Recorder Khan said it was surprising that Linley accelerated away from the police when he was licensed and insured to drive the car.

He went up to 60mph in residential areas and was abusive and difficult when the police apprehended him.

But Linley had served in the British Army for six years and had a good work ethic.

He had just one dissimilar previous conviction and no one was hurt in the chase.