An Isle of Wight drug driver ran away from police after being caught at the wheel while disqualified, with no insurance and over the cannabis limit.

Joshua Begg, of Birch Gardens, Binstead, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Friday, November 8.

The 21-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, drug driving and possession of cannabis.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said officers were on patrol just after 5pm on March 7 when they spotted a red Nissan Micra driving between Newnham Road and Dame Anthonys Close in Binstead.

Police waited for the vehicle to stop before challenging Begg, with an officer asking for his name, to which he replied Josh, before asking him if he had a license, Ms McConnell said.

Begg turned and ran in the opposite direction into a nearby woodland, with police forced to abandon the chase due to the terrain, the court heard.

Police dogs were brought in to continue to pursuit, but the trail went cold.

Begg was later found by police at his home, where he tested positive for cannabis before officers discovered the drug stashed in his bedroom.

Ms McConnell said Begg was disqualified from driving for 12 months in November last year for drug driving, which meant the minimum ban magistrates could impose was three years.

Begg, unrepresented, said a driving disqualification would have a “massive impact” on his business, adding, “That’s all I can really say.”

Begg was handed a three-year driving ban, an 18-month community order, rehabilitation days, 100 hours of unpaid work and £199 court fees.