A DRUG addict drove the wrong way along a one-way street during a police chase in Ipswich town centre, a court has heard.

A DRUG addict drove the wrong way along a one-way street during a police chase in Ipswich town centre, a court has heard.

A policeman saw Mark Mowles, 36, driving a Toyota Starlet car in London Road and decided to stop the vehicle, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

He followed the car into Elliott Street and Dillwyn Street West and illuminated a blue flashing light on his car and activated the siren, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

Instead of stopping, Mowles had accelerated away and reached speeds of 40-50 mph in 30mph limits. He had crossed a junction with London Road without slowing down and had then turned into a one-way street and driven the wrong way along it.

Fortunately there were no other vehicles travelling along the road despite it being early in the afternoon, said Mr Crimp.

Mowles had then turned into Clarkson Street and came to a halt after colliding with bollards.

Although Mowles tried to run off he was arrested by police and was found in possession of a lock knife.

He later told police that he didn't know if he was still the subject of an earlier driving ban and had panicked when the police officer tried to stop him.

Mowles of Adair Road, Ipswich, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a blood specimen, possession of a bladed article and driving without insurance. He was banned from driving for three years and given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years. He was also made the subject of an 18 month supervision order and ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation course. He was also ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work in the community.

Rebecca Wastall said Mowles had been in custody for 121 days which was the equivalent of an eight month prison sentence.

She said Mowles had been a drug addict for 22 years and was keen to get help for his drug problem.