A MAN made off from police and led them on a car chase after being accused of attacking his wife.

Burnley Crown Court heard how officers eventually stopped the pursuit because of the danger to other motorists.

William Milne, 36, of Bevington Close, Burnley, admitted dangerous driving. He was given 200 hours community punishment, banned for 12 months and must take an extended re-test. He must also pay £300 costs. But Milne was cleared by a judge of assaulting Victoria Dyson, causing her actual bodily harm, after the prosecution offered no evidence. The court was told the defendant committed the offence in Barden Lane, Burnley, Padiham by-pass and Whalley Road, Padiham. He had caused other vehicles to swerve and had gone though red traffic lights. Sentencing, Recorder L Lowe told the defendant he had represented a real and immediate risk to other road users. The judge added, however, the case was unusual and ironic because Milne had been brought before the higher court because of the assault charge but that had been dropped.

Michael Murray, defending, said Milne had "three blemishes" on his record but since then had done all he could to advance himself as a decent member of the community.