A dangerous driver narrowly avoided jail after crashing his car in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Louis Tozer was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Golf when he was spotted speeding by police in Hay Lane before ignoring two red lights at the M4 Junction 16 roundabout.

The roads officer gave chase and Tozer lost control at a roundabout before smashing into a pedestrian barrier and coming to a stop on a footpath, with his vehicle significantly damaged.

Police said it was lucky nobody was seriously injured.

Tozer, 34, of Dixon Street, Swindon, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on June 24.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

PC Jay Clifton of the Roads Policing Unit said: “The manner in which Tozer was driving his vehicle fell well below the standards you would expect of a competent driver.

“He was not only driving at excess speed, but he drove through two red lights and crashed through a pedestrian barrier.

“It is extremely fortunate that there were no pedestrians in the area at the time. His actions put the lives of other members of the public at serious risk and this will not be tolerated.”

The defendant was given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and was banned from driving for 18 months.

He was ordered to pay £150 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £128.