A driver who took amphetamine and was then involved in a 23-mile police chase through Cleckheaton and Batley has been jailed for a total of 30 months.

A judge yesterday branded 49-year-old Gordon Sander-son a menace and said the public needed protecting from him.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Sanderson, of Rouse Fold, East Bowling, had 18 previous convictions for driving while disqualified as well as a catalogue of other motoring offences including drink-driving and failure to provide a breath specimen.

Recorder Geoffrey Marson QC told Sanderson: "The prospect of a man driving for 23 miles, trying to escape from the police while under the influence of amphetamine, is an appalling prospect to consider."

Sanderson was subject to a driving ban when he was spotted by police in a 17-year-old diesel box van in Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, in May. He drove off and during the pursuit which followed he pulled straight out at junctions, went through red lights and even mounted pavements.

After travelling along various roads in the Cleckheaton and Batley areas, Sanderson drove onto the M62 where he was eventually boxed in by police vehicles.

Even then, Sanderson waved his fists at officers and deliberately reversed the van into a police patrol car.

Mr Blantern said one officer, who was getting out of the car, suffered whiplash and an injury to his hand. His colleague in the driver's seat also suffered whiplash. Sanderson struggled violently before being handcuffed.

During his interview, Sanderson admitted he had been taking amphetamine the night before.

He pleaded guilty to offences including drink-driving, driving while under the influence of drugs, assaulting the two injured police officers, and criminal damage. He also admitted driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failure to surrender to court.

Recorder Marson banned him from driving again for three years and ordered him to take an extended test before legally driving again.

Barrister Nadim Bashir, for Sanderson, described his record as horrendous but argued there was some sign he was beginning to realise he was a bit too old for such behaviour.