A DRINK-driver who drove the wrong way down the A64 near York has escaped a prison sentence.

Police officers could not believe their eyes when they saw a car travelling west on the eastbound carriageway towards Leeds.

It was 3am on June 14 and student Benjamin Dryden, 20, was driving back to Leeds University after meeting friends in York.

Selby Magistrates Court heard that Dryden was more than twice the drink-drive limit.

Police officers near Tadcaster were alerted to the danger and they travelled east on the eastbound carriageway to try to intercept Dryden.

But as the officers reached Copmanthorpe Top, Dryden's car passed them, still travelling west on the eastbound carriageway.

The police vehicle then left the A64 at Copmanthorpe Top and looped round on to lane two of the westbound carriageway.

Now travelling in the same direction as Dryden, but in the correct carriageway, the police vehicle drew up alongside the defendant's car, with the central reservation and Armco barrier between them, and their blue lights flashing.

Mike Duffy, prosecuting, said that one terrified driver saw the headlights of Dryden's car coming straight at him and had to swerve sharply to avoid it, hitting the kerb and losing control as he did so.

One of the officers involved, PC Steve Burrell, said today that it had been one of the most frightening experiences of his life.

"He was doing about 70mph. It was a close-run thing and we were all badly shaken, as were other motorists who witnessed it," he said

Denis Lofthouse, mitigating, said: "He is full of remorse, and thankfully no one was hurt."

Dryden, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and dangerous driving. He was banned from driving for two years and given a 200-hour community punishment order.

Updated: 09:54 Saturday, August 09, 2003