A SOUTHAMPTON man has been jailed for eight months following a high-speed car chase across Southampton.

Mitchell Williams was driving erratically when police spotted him in Bannister Road.

Four times over the limit for cocaine, the 21-year-old failed to stop for officers and sped away in a black BMW X5.

Williams, of Monks Way, has been jailed for dangerous driving, driving without a valid licence, driving without insurance, and driving while under the influence of drugs.

Southampton Crown Court heard he swerved in and out of traffic while tearing through the city streets at 70mph

Jumping a series of red lights, he drove on the wrong side of the road multiple times during the incident on June 9 last year.

Prosecutor Matthew Lawson told the court how Williams narrowly missed having a serious crash while hurtling down Upper Shirley Avenue.

At one point a “large knife” was flung from his car. This was followed by a beer bottle, which “exploded” in the road, and several “packages”.

Just as police were at the point of giving up, deeming the chase too dangerous, smoke came billowing from Williams’ engine. He limped on at 30mph before finally dumping his car in Portswood Road.

Williams and his two passengers fled but he was arrested shortly afterwards.

“Clearly impaired”, he refused to give his name and made no comment during questioning.

A test found he had no less than 40mgs of cocaine in his system – four times the legal limit – and traces of cannabis.

He initially pleaded not guilty before Southampton Magistrates’ Court but later changed his plea.

Defending, Unyime Davies said Williams had no previous convictions and had gone “off the rails” after his father died. He was supporting his mother and disabled three-year-old brother financially.

Judge Burrell said it was a wonder no one was killed or injured.

Williams was jailed for eight months and disqualified from driving for 22 months.