A MAN who suffered horrendous injuries when he crashed his car through a fence was told that he had narrowly escaped a prison sentence.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Stephen Atkinson crashed after failing to stop for a police officer.

Atkinson was banned from driving at the time and had originally been charged with failing to provide a breath sample. While the drink-related charge had subsequently been dropped the defence accepted drink was a big problem in Atkinson's life.

Atkinson, 37, of Percy Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and failing to stop when required. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months, banned from driving for three years, fined £250, ordered to pay £240 compensation and £100 costs and must attend the drink impaired driver programme.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Atkinson's car crashed through a fence just 25 feet from football development officer John Grice, who was walking home at about 11.45pm on May 15, 2003. He said Atkinson had five previous convictions for failing to provide a specimen of breath and one for driving while disqualified.

Daniel King, defending, said Atkinson had been thrown through the car's windscreen and after the vehicle had rolled over him it had come to rest with the exhaust resting on his stomach.