A Canterbury motorist convicted of dangerous driving has avoided an immediate jail term but must undergo treatment for his alcohol abuse at his own expense at the Priory Clinic.

Hal Hilton, 46, of Herne Bay Road, Broad Oak, Canterbury, appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court after being convicted in August.

Hilton, who had two previous convictions for drink driving, was arrested after a police chase through Cliftonville at speeds of up to 60mph.

He drove his VW Polo the wrong way down a one-way road where there was a children’s playground, over a junction, causing a car to swerve, and sped through residential areas.

The chase came to an end when the Polo span out of control and two men inside ran off.

Hilton denied being the driver. At his trial, he claimed a police officer put the car keys inside his jacket and another friend, now living in Cyprus, had been driving.

Alex De Santos, for Hilton, said he had shown complete honesty in relation to his alcohol consumption and a demonstrable willingness to reduce it.

Sentencing Hilton, Mr Recorder Andrew Popat said Hilton had been convicted on overwhelming evidence.

He said he had it in mind to lock Hilton up so the public would be safe but he took into account Hilton’s psychiatric and medical problems related to alcohol and post traumatic stress disorder.

The Recorder said he would therefore take an exceptional course. He suspended the six months sentence for 18 months with the conditions that Hilton continues under the care of his GP, Dr Joseph Molony, and attends the Priory Clinic at his own expense.

Hilton was disqualified from driving for three years, which could be reduced if he were to take a drink awareness course, and he must retake his driving test.

Because Hilton was on incapacity benefit, no fine or costs were ordered.