A driver who had been chased by police abandoned his car and fled on foot before wading into the River Calder, a court heard.

Leeds Crown Court heard James Shillinglaw was spotted by police in Alder Street, Fartown on June 5 and accelerated beyond the 30mph limit when he saw them.

The officers illuminated their blue light but he failed to stop. Duncan Ritchie prosecuting said the Audi A4 went through traffic lights on the wrong side of the road and reached 70mph in Leeds Road,

Other vehicles had to take evasive action as he continued in Bradford Road heading towards Elland. On a dirt track a woman walking her dog had jump on to banking to avoid him.

The car was eventually abandoned at the bottom of Cromwell Road, Brighouse having entered a nature reserve at Cromwell Bottom.

Other officers took up the pursuit on foot but lost sight of Shillinglaw for a time in woodland. He was then seen about half an hour later having waded into the River Calder.

Officers surround the area on the banks and one officer went in after him to persuade him to come out, knowing the water got deeper and faster downstream.

Both were in up to their waists and the officer eventually threatened to use his CS spray if Shillinglaw would not give up. When that had no effect he used the spray and then took him to the bank where other officers helped him out.

Shillinglaw told police he had panicked because his documents were not up to date.

Gillian Batts representing him said he was on his way to a meeting about his father, who had mental health problems and was due to be released from hospital and he was anxious not to let him down.

Shillinglaw, 24 formerly of Half Moon Street, Huddersfield, admitted dangerous driving and having no insurance. He was jailed for 12 months, disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to take an extended driving test.