A DANGEROUS driver has been given a second chance by a judge to avoid prison time.

Paul Collins, 39, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday afternoon (April 11) charged with possession of a locking knife in Cholsey on February 17 last year.

He is also accused of beating a police constable on the same day as well as having a Class B drug, cannabis, and driving a Ford Transit Connect dangerously on the A329.

READ MORE: Teen with 'interest in knives' avoids jail after threatening man with blade

Collins, of Ross Gardens, Bournemouth, was due to be sentenced for the four counts by Judge Nigel Daly.

However, it was heard that Collins is currently ‘doing well’ on a community order that was imposed on him in September last year for an unrelated matter.

As a result, Judge Daly decided to defer his sentencing until the community order is complete later this year to see how well the defendant complies.

He said: “If you get a good report from the probation service with regards to the community order then I will consider a non-custodial penalty. Well, not immediate custody.”

During the hearing, prosecutor Kathy Oliver opened the case and told the court that Collins had first been spotted by police in a layby on the A329 in Cholsey.

READ MORE: 'I don't go around touching people', says restaurateur accused of assault

Officers noticed the van appeared to be in ‘poor condition’ and decided to check it over when they spotted Collins in the drivers seat.

Ms Oliver said: “They could smell cannabis from the window and Mr Collins show them a bag of what looked like cannabis and they him to get out of the car and he said he would not.”

It was heard that Collins then drove away from the layby and were pursued by the two officers who described the defendant’s driving as ‘below that of a careful and competent driver’.

Ms Oliver said that Collins was ‘driving in the middle of the road to avoid the police’ and was ignoring the blue police lights.

The pursuit continued up and down the A329 with Collins making ‘tight turns, his rear wheel lifting from the ground’ until he eventually crashed into a hedge.

Officers then struggled with arresting Collins as he was ‘twisting and turning’ on the ground and ‘tried to bite one of the officers on the leg’.

READ MORE: Porsche driver GUILTY of injuring woman and boy in crash flees country

Cannabis consistent with personal use was found in the vehicle as well as a lock knife.

Collins, formerly of Wilding Road, Wallingford, will remain on unconditional bail until the hearing on October 9.

He has been placed on an interim driving disqualification for six months.