A drink-driver who fled police out of Oxford at up to 120mph with his lights off has escaped being sent to jail.

Ritchie Soden was nearly three times the legal limit when his Renault Clio clipped a Ford Focus in Hythe Bridge Street and a police chase ensued.

Kevin West, prosecuting at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, said officers pursued the 22-year-old out of Oxford via George Street, St Giles, Woodstock Road and the westbound A40.

The chase came to a halt at Cassington at about 1.30am on August 8.

Mr West said police described Soden’s speed as about 45-50mph in George Street, rising to 60mph in St Giles and 100mph on the Woodstock Road as he overtook cars.Soden went around the Wolvercote roundabout at 70mph and on to the A40 towards Witney with his lights off at 110mph to 120mph, Mr West said.

Recorder Peter Wallis interjected: “Good grief.”

Soden, of Westbury Crescent, Oxford, had 98 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Richard Lister, defending, said: Soden’s restricted access to his two-year-old daughter “gave rise to a concerted bout of drinking” earlier that night.

Soden was given eight months in jail, suspended for two years, with a two-month curfew. He was banned from driving for three years and told to pay £450 costs.