A WOOTTON father-to-be who was arrested by armed police following a high speed chase through the village has been spared jail.

Sean Michael Donovan, 24, of Mary Rose Avenue, appeared before the Isle of Wight Crown Court last Wednesday (December 6).

He admitted driving while under the influence of cannabis and driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He also admitted driving without insurance and failing to stop for a police officer.

The court heard from prosecutor, William Saunders, how on May 11, police officers on patrol at Wootton Bridge had seen a VW Polo which they requested to stop.

Mr Saunders said when the driver, Donovan, refused, a pursuit ensued through the village.

When Donovan eventually decamped on New Road and ran away, he was detained and arrested.

At the time of the incident, Isle of Wight Police said Donovan had been detained after a short foot chase involving police dog Bruno and his handler, as well as an armed response officer.

The court heard how analysis revealed Donovan had been three times over the cannabis limit, and was released under investigation.

Mr Saunders said Donovan had a long list of previous convictions, including eight against a person and three against property.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Donovan's offences spoke for themselves, but were of some age.

He said a progress report revealed Donovan had committed no further offending, and a probation report revealed 'remarkable improvement'.

Mr Vincent said Donovan had been attending and engaging with probation, and engaging well with mental health services.

He told the court immediate custody for Donovan, who is expecting his first child in June, would undo all the good work.

Donovan, in breach of a suspended sentence, was given a further three months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He was also given a curfew for three months, between 6pm and 6am, and disqualified from driving for 15 months.

He must pay a fine of £250 and a victim surcharge of £128.