A FRANTIC father stole a taxi and set off down a motorway after a row with his partner.

Paul Manley, 31, who was almost twice the drink drive limit, was worried that his girlfriend, who has "emotional problems", was going to harm herself.

He was stopped on the way to Birmingham after Staffordshire police surrounded the vehicle, Burnley magistrates heard.

Manley, of Swinless Street, Burnley, was sent to prison for a total of six months to "protect the public" after he admitted dangerous driving, making off without payment, taking a conveyance without authority, two allegations of driving while disqualified, two counts of no insurance and driving with excess alcohol. An allegation of robbery was withdrawn.

Nigel Harrison, prosecuting, said Manley got the taxi driver to leave the vehicle and set off south on the M6. He called at a service station, filled up with fuel and drove off without paying.

Manley veered to the offside causing the car at the side to go into the third lane.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said a prison term was almost inevitable.

When the offences were committed, he and his partner had rowed.

She had emotional and psychological health problems and Manley was extremely concerned she was going to cause harm to herself.

When his girlfriend, who was pregnant, left in the circumstances she did, Manley was "frantic." He believed she was in the West Midlands, where she had family, and he simply did not have the funds to go there.

Mr Bradshaw went on: "He was on the way to Birmingham to see her and try and resolve their difficulties.

"The way he chose to do that is completely inappropriate. He was not joy riding and was not simply acting wantonly."

He added Manley was not addicted to drugs. His relationship with his partner was still strong, she was effectively waiting for him.

Mr Bradshaw added: "He realises if he continues to act in this way, he will probably spend more and more time away from his partner and family and away from this area.

"He has had several weeks in custody to reflect on the way his behaviour has affected his girlfriend and himself."

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