Gary Madine weaved in and out of parked cars in residential streets before smashing into a Ford Focus in the early hours
A former Blackpool FC and Bolton Wanderers footballer who led police on a dangerous chase around residential streets before smashing into a parked car and running off has avoided jail.
When they got there, other officers were present with a man and the Range Rover pulled up, driven by Madine. Mark Atkins, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "The vehicle began to make off and ignored instructions by the police to stop. The impact of that crash caused a post box to be knocked over and caused damage to the Ford and the Range Rover. Madine tried to continue driving but was unable to do so due to the damage and after around 40m he got out and ran off, along with his passenger.
Recorder Paul Reid sentenced him to six months suspended for 18 months with 250 hours unpaid work and a 12 month driving ban with a requirement he sit an extended test before he can get his licence back. The judge said: "It's a mystery why people in your position do this, I suspect you made off from the police because you didn't want to be breathalysed but I disregard that, the circumstances of this are bad enough.
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