A van driver who led police on an eight-minute five miles pursuit along streets at Colwyn Bay received a twelve months suspended jail term for dangerous driving on Thursday.

Paul Campbell, 28, of Capel Uchaf, Llangefni, had driven at excessive speeds in built-up areas of the seaside town at around 4am last September 28, Caernarfon crown court heard.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards said it was a “concerted effort by the defendant to evade the police” which involved driving through alleys behind houses. He was eventually boxed in by police cars.

Campbell admitted dangerous driving, possessing cocaine, failing to provide a blood test for drugs and drink-driving.

A probation officer said the dad of four worked for landscapers.

Judge Nicola Jones imposed a three-year driving ban with an extended test and the defendant must do 200 hours unpaid work. In addition a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement was imposed, he must attend a thinking skills programme, and pay £489 costs.