A FORMER army lieutenant on the run for driving offences embarked on an £8,400 deception and theft spree - but returned to Morecambe to give himself up.

Preston Crown Court heard that a warrant for Andrew Chadwick's arrest had been outstanding since June 1997 for dangerous driving in Morecambe in May this year.

He failed to turn up at court and then, according to his barrister Mr Joe Boyd, "lived a twilight experience" after the warrant was issued.

Chadwick, 28, of Lord Street, Morecambe, spent six years in the Army and was a lieutenant. His father was a major.

He was committed to the Crown Court for sentence on offences of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and without insurance, plus six offences of deception and six of theft. He also asked for two other offences to be taken into consideration. Chadwick was jailed for a total of two years and three months and banned form driving for two years.

Mr Gordon Hennell, prosecuting, told the court police saw Chadwick on West End Road, Morecambe. He would not stop and was followed. He overtook a number of vehicles, causing them to brake and swerve. At roadworks on Marine Road, Chadwick knocked over two cones that were flung into the air. He later abandoned his car but was arrested.

Mr Hennell then detailed deception and theft offences totalling £8,431 Chadwick committed in East Anglia and London whilst the warrant was out for his arrest. The offences involved him buying equipment and then no payments were made, taking cash from a computer firm he worked for, staying at three Preston Hotels and not paying the bill and eating a meal when he had no money to pay.

Chadwick was finally arrested at an Indian restaurant after saying he could not pay the bill.

Mr Boyd told the court Chadwick had pleaded guilty and had co-operated with police. Many offences would not have come to light but for the candour of the defendant.

Chadwick decided to return to the North West to wipe the slate clean in May this year. Whilst the warrant was out for his arrest, Chadwick was unable to claim benefits and had led a chaotic lifestyle.

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