WHEN drink-driver Stuart Higson was arrested by police after hitting two cars and a wall, he was found to be clutching an open bottle of lager, a court heard.

Higson maintained that a friend called Gaz had been driving and that he had opened the beer while in shock.

But Higson eventually admitted he had driven the car when he was almost twice the legal alcohol limit and while he was banned from driving.

Higson, aged 22, of Anchor Lane, Farnworth, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence.

Judge Gillian Ruaux jailed him for 12 months and banned him from driving for two years. He must take an extended driving test to regain his licence.

He admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, drink driving and driving without insurance.

Prosecutor Adrian Dugdale said a taxi driver saw Higson's Ford Escort career into a car waiting to turn right in Bolton town centre.

Then Higson reversed, only to crash into the taxi before driving off at speed.

The drivers of both damaged cars gave chase and followed Higson along Bury Road where he crashed into a wall.

An off-duty police officer had also given chase and Higson was found to be holding the bottle of lager.