A drug driver has been spared prison for dangerous driving following an incident in Southend.

Jack Birch, 28, of Bilton Road, Benfleet, was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, October 12, after being found guilty of the offence.

He was given points on his licence, 100 hours community service and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

On Wednesday, March 29, officers were carrying out a traffic stop at the junction of Snakes Lane and Whitehouse Road.

At around 3.40pm, a Ford Fiesta mounted and drove along a pathway to avoid queuing, only to be stopped by an officer. The vehicle stopped just a foot away from him.

The car then revved its engine, reversed backwards before accelerating again. Fearing for his safety, the officer moved out the way of the vehicle. 

The vehicle was stopped on Friday, March 31, on the A132 slip road close to the A130 in Rettendon.

Birch was arrested for dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court for the drug driving offence on Wednesday, June 14, where he was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £320 and was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Investigating officer PC Sue Hellier said: “Birch showed complete disregard to other roads users, pedestrians and officers by carrying out a dangerous and irresponsible act.

“He was inpatient and believed he was above the law, failing to stop for police after almost hitting an officer.

"Birch was quickly identified and arrested after driving while under the influence of drugs.

"Our roads are certainly a safer place now he has been fined and disqualified.”