A POLICEMAN led colleagues on a high-speed chase through country roads, while twice the drink-drive limit, a jury was told yesterday.

Police constable Timothy Dunning, of Ansell Way, Milton-under-Wychwood, was off duty when he was spotted by PC Robert Stubley, who decide to pursue him because he was driving too fast.

The court heard that 44-year-old Dunning, an officer with Thames Valley Police, ignored PC Stubley's blue flashing lights as he tried to out-accelerate the patrol car. Dunning drove at up to 70mph through narrow, twisting lanes, the jury was told.

He was arrested when he turned his Vauxhall Astra van into a cul-de-sac and was stopped and breathalysed.

The reading showed he was twice the legal alcohol limit for drivers.

Details of the chase were revealed at Reading Crown Court yesterday, where Dunning denied a charge of dangerous driving. He had earlier admitted a drink-driving charge.

Prosecutor Anthony Smith said the chase lasted for about 17 minutes and involved two police cars.

The court heard that as officers tried to get Dunning into the back of their police car, he began to struggle.

The trial continues.