A MOTORIST jailed for ‘grotesque’ driving while being pursued by police through the outskirts of Andover has had his jail term backed by top judges.

Stephen Mackie, of Defiance Way, Andover was sentenced to two years behind bars at Winchester Crown Court on April 28.

Mackie was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf when he drove dangerously for over 10 miles, London’s Appeal Court heard on Tuesday, 25 July.

The 30-year-old ran through red traffic lights, drove at speed and overtook and undertook other vehicles, Judge Johanna Cutts QC said.

Mackie veered onto the wrong side of the carriageway at times and struggled to control the car on bends.

The car only came to a halt after one of its tyres was damaged after a collision with a kerb.

Mackie admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving and failing to produce a specimen for analysis. He also pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

He was in breach of a suspended six-month sentence imposed in 2016 for possessing a knife in a public place. This was activated in full as part of the overall 24-month sentence.

The judge who jailed Mackie described his driving as ‘grotesque’ and said it was a ‘miracle’ nobody was hurt.

He had 14 previous convictions, for 32 crimes, including assault, drug possession and dangerous driving.

On Tuesday this week, his lawyers argued his jail term was far too harsh as it was ‘not the very worst case of dangerous driving’.

But Judge Cutts said it was a ‘prolonged period of significant dangerous driving by Mackie, who was nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol’.

He was ‘fortunate’ that no one was hurt, added the judge, who was sitting with Lord Justice Treacy and Ms Justice Russell.

The Appeal Court judges concluded: “This sentence cannot be said to be manifestly excessive and this appeal is dismissed.”