A DRINK-DRIVER drove his car the wrong way on a one-way street past a Chester police station.

Ayaz Bin Riaz, 38, of Kingsway Crescent, Manchester, was told by magistrates at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, December 6, that his offences were too serious to be sentenced by them, and the case would be heading to Chester Crown Court.

Riaz had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to dangerous driving and drink-driving.

A separate charge of failing to stop for a police officer was withdrawn as that charge can only be sentenced at a magistrates court.

Prosecuting, Alison Warburton said it was just before midnight on November 16 when police were called to Crook Street amid a report of a fight outside the United Services Club.

Riaz left in his Mercedes and police initially gave chase.

But as Riaz turned on to Hamilton Place, then Trinity Street, he then turned to go the wrong way on Princess Street - past the town hall police station - before turning left to go the wrong way up Northgate Street at speed.

Because of that, police did not pursue him so as not to aggravate his dangerous driving, which was instead monitored on CCTV.

Riaz then turned on to St Martin's Way, where the officer who had originally been called out to the Crook Street incident was able to intercept him and arrest him shortly before Grosvenor Roundabout.

When interviewed, Riaz said he had gone to Chester from Manchester to go to a club.

He said there had been a fight outside the club, he had tried to stop it, but was worried about his car being damaged so went to move it.

He knew he was over the limit but was asked by others who were in the car with him to keep driving.

When told by police his driving was "appalling and dangerous", he accepted it and was remorseful when shown what he had done.

John Black, defending, said Riaz, who had no previous convictions, had accepted all allegations from the initial police interview.

He had "panicked", Mr Black added.

Riaz will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on January 3, 2020. A pre-sentence report will be prepared and Riaz was bailed unconditionally.