The father of football star Joe Cole smashed into a police car and drove on the wrong side of the road during a high speed chase after refusing to provide a breath test. Following a family argument, George Cole, from The Avenue, Stotfold drove off in his

The father of football star Joe Cole smashed into a police car and drove on the wrong side of the road during a high speed chase after refusing to provide a breath test.

Following a family argument, George Cole, from The Avenue, Stotfold drove off in his high performance Audi despite having been drinking, Luton Crown Court heard on Friday.

His son was so concerned for his welfare that he called police who found the Audi Q7 parked at Baldock services at junction 10 of the A1 four hours later. Cole was asleep inside, the prosecution said.

Officers roused him and told him he would be breath tested, but had to wait for a kit to arrive.

Laura Blackband, prosecuting, said: "He fell asleep again, and although they woke him, he locked his doors from the inside and turned off the ignition. He reversed into a police car parked behind him and managed to drive off, despite an officer smashing a window.

"Another officer stood in his way waving at him but had to jump out of the way.

"The defendant drove off on the wrong side of the A507 and police followed. They say he drove at speeds up to 90 miles per hour and through red traffic lights at speed.

"Believing it was dangerous, they called off the pursuit and waited for him at his home address."

He was arrested but failed to provide a sample of breath to be analysed or to answer questions.

Cole pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen on April 10 this year.

He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, with supervision, and ordered to attend a drink driver programme. He was also banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay �500 costs.

Sean Sullivan, defending, said: "A family argument combined with alcohol and some animosity towards police led to the dangerous behaviour. He engaged in entirely cretinous behaviour and displayed an unattractive and tiresome attitude to police."

Judge Andrew Bright QC told Cole: "People who drive while in emotional turmoil and drive as you did put innocent people at risk of being injured. But it was out of character for you.