A DRUNK driver mounted a kerb and crashed into a lamppost in a bid to drive round the police van blocking his path.Jonathan Day was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court for his dangerous driving which could have seen him crashing into a policeman standing just metres from the post.

A DRUNK driver mounted a kerb and crashed into a lamppost in a bid to drive round the police van blocking his path.

Jonathan Day was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court for his dangerous driving which could have seen him crashing into a policeman standing just metres from the post.

The 22-year-old had only recently been released from jail for other motoring offences when he was spotted by police in the early hours of Sunday morning driving along Crown Street in Ipswich.

He was still out on licence as his sentence did not officially end until January 26 2004. This will be his second Christmas in prison.

When Day, formerly of Raeburn Road, Ipswich, reached the traffic lights at the junction with High Street the police van pulled round in front of the car.

But South East Suffolk Magistrates heard how Day revved the engine and then mounted the kerb to get round it.

Prosecutor Gareth Davies said: "A police officer was just a few metres from the lampost.

"If the obstruction had not been there, there was potential for a serious accident involving that officer."

Day admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance, drink driving and being in possession of a bladed article.

When Day was arrested he told police the car he was driving belonged to his stepfather, who he had been drinking with earlier in the evening.

He had taken the car without his knowledge.

Nikki Miller, mitigating, said since being released from prison, Day had been trying to make a go of his life and was actively looking for work.

But last week he had split up with his girlfriend and picked up a screwdriver and a locknife, which is the reason they were in his pocket when he was arrested as he had forgotten to take them out.

She said: "He took the decision to take the keys to his stepfather's car and took it.

"He does not know why, perhaps it was because he had had a drink and lost his inhibitions.

"But he just did not know why. His mother said she has a lovely son who would do anything for anyone but when alcohol becomes involved then cars become involved."