A motorist who was nearly double the drink-driving limit will appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being charged with a series of driving offences around the New Year, including reaching a speed of 110 mph as police officers tried to pull him over.

Twenty-six-year-old Craig Bendall, of Cherry Tree Close, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday to admit four offences of - drink-driving; dangerous driving; driving without third-party insurance; and wilfully obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty.

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court that police officers were on routine patrol on January 2 near the Broadmoor area when at around 2.20 am, they spotted Mr. Bendall in his Ford Fiesta pull out somewhat ‘erratically’.

“The defendant’s acceleration was not smooth. Officers directed Mr. Bendall into a lay-by, but after initially manoeuvring in he started to speed up significantly and at one point reached 110 mph!

Officers but their blue lights on and gave chase, following the defendant who then drove straight through a lay-by and back out onto the road, before performing a u-turn in the middle of the road on the A477 by Sageston.

“The police car was so close behind Mr. Bendall, that he only narrowly avoided clipping them,” continued Mr. Pritchard-Jones.

After stopping Mr. Bendall said ‘I pulled over - I’m sorry, I’m sorry - I’m a drink-driver!’ initially giving his brother’s name to officers, before then giving his real name and address.

After being arrested, Mr. Bendall gave a reading at the police station of 69 microgrammes in in 100 millilitres of breath.

“I recommend that this goes to Crown Court, the driver was twice the limit, he nearly caused the police car to have a collision, and he gave a false name,” added Mr. Pritchard-Jones.

Magistrates sent the matter to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing, with Mr. Bendall who was released on unconditional bail, ordered to appear next on February 7.

An interim driving disqualification was also handed to the defendant.