A HIGHWAYS England project manager was told he was lucky not to be jailed after being involved in two night-time police chases in his BMW within ten months.

Martin Milburn was said to be suffering health issues and depression, following a marriage break-up, when he became involved in pursuits, in Darlington and Ferryhill.

A judge at Durham Crown Court said she suspected drink may have played a part in each case, but he was not charged with any alcohol-related motoring offence as he evaded police both times.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said in the first Milburn drove at up to 60-miles per hour in 30-limit areas, when police began to follow his BMW in Bartlett Street, Darlington, after he bought vodka in High Northgate, at 3.30am on October 9 last year.

Milburn fled over crossroads and speed bumps, and took a roundabout in the wrong direction.

As the registered keeper, police found the BMW parked at the rear of his home in Faverdale, Darlington.

Interviewed weeks later he said he went to buy alcohol and panicked seeing police due to the lockdown rules in place at the time.

Mr Towers said while on bail, Milburn was involved in another police chase after being pursued from Thinford Services, on the A167, at 4am on July 29.

He drove through Ferryhill, at up to 65-mph in 30-limit areas, before his abandoned BMW, containing blood traces, was found overturned in Mainsforth Road.

Officers went to his home but he was not there, and he only handed himself in to police a fortnight later.

Milburn, 45, of Charnwood Drive, admitted two counts of dangerous driving and one of failing to stop for police.

Amrit Jandoo, mitigating, said given his issues at the time, the defendant felt his only, “form of release”, was in his car, but he has since sought help with his mental health problems.

Mr Jandoo said despite having been on long-term sick leave, with a phased return to work, Milburn's job remains open to him, providing he is not jailed.

Recorder Maria Karaiskos said although the Probation Service consider him to be a, “low risk”, of future offending and capable of rehabilitation, he was, “very lucky” not to be receiving an immediate prison sentence.

She imposed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which he must perform 150-hours’ unpaid work, attend 30 probation rehabilitation days and pay £300 costs.

He was also banned from driving for two years.

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