A MAN has escaped jail after committing a string of offences, including drink-driving.

Robert Hay, 46, of Lucknow Street, Darlington pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, drink-driving, driving without insurance, possession of cannabis, resisting a police officer and admitting three breaches of a community rehabilitation order.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard how Hay was banned for driving for three years when he was stopped by police on November 28 last year.

The officer thought he had been drinking and went to handcuff him but he ran off.

Hay was caught and taken to the police station where he failed a breathalyser test. A small piece of cannabis resin was also found in his possession.

Rob Hutchinson, in mitigation, said that Hay had only driven the car because his father had phoned him to say he believed he was having a heart attack.

Christine Selby, chairman of the bench, said: "We have been considering custody today, but have decided not to send you to custody, although you came very close to it."

He was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order, which will include addressing alcohol problems.