AN ABERYSTWYTH landscape gardener panicked when he thought his “business was in jeopardy” and drove away from police while over the drink-drive limit, magistrates have heard.

Police officers had tried to stop Christopher John Thomas, 25, in Bridge Street, but ended up following him around several town centre streets before he abandoned his van at the Aberystwyth University campus and tried to flee on foot before he was caught by officers after he tripped over a fence.

Thomas, of Plas Newydd, 9 Queen Street, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop when directed by a police officer, drink-driving and possession of cannabis after the incident on 8 October.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said police tried to stop Thomas initially in Bridge Street shortly before 11pm after noticing that his rear lights weren’t working.

But despite a police car showing flashing blue lights, he continued driving through town before stopping to pull into a car park in Queen Street only to be delayed because of pedestrians.

Instead of stopping, though, Thomas pulled away at speed, scraping his car on a kerb and causing smoke to come out of it.

Ms Tench said officers said it seemed as though Thomas was also struggling to control the van as he was driving.

Thomas then drove through town and up to Penglais Hill before turning into the university campus and turning right into a one-way street.

Ms Tench said that forced an oncoming car to mount a grass verge to avoid a collision.

Thomas then drove into a dead end before getting out and running off. He was arrested by officers who had chased him.

Defence solicitor Iestyn Davies said Thomas had panicked after “realising his business was in jeopardy”, but said Thomas had not led police on a “high speed” chase, but had driven away from police over a short distance.

He added: “He is so ashamed he has not been able to tell his family about it and he’s not been able to tell those he works for about it.”

After building up a successful landscape gardening business, Thomas was now expecting to have to close the business after being banned from driving for 18 months.

He was also made subject to a community order and will have to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was fined £135 for failing to stop and will also have to pay costs totalling £170.