A DRINK driver who crashed into oncoming traffic was subject to a police manhunt as he tried to hide in bushes, a court heard.

Raymond Wall, aged 39, from County Durham, attempted to conceal himself in undergrowth following the collision at a roundabout on Birchwood Park Avenue.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Thursday how Wall was pulled from bushes ‘covered in mud’ by police after being found by sniffer dogs.

A police helicopter had also been deployed to search for him.

Marie Hayden, prosecuting, said Wall was driving a Ford Focus on October 31 at 8.40pm when he crashed into William Arnold, who suffered whiplash.

“Without any opportunity for Mr Arnold to react, the defendant collided with the front of his car, causing both vehicles to spin into the path of oncoming traffic,” said Mrs Hayden.

Wall, who had drank a quarter bottle of whiskey, approached Mr Arnold and told him his brakes did not work.

Paramedics treated the defendant for superficial injuries and noticed he smelt of alcohol.

He then ran off into nearby undergrowth, the court heard.

Police searching his car found cans of beer and the helicopter was called in.

Dogs found him lying on the ground in bushes at around 10pm.

During his police interview, Wall said he was disgraced by what he had done, the court heard.

A breath test showed 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Wall pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop, and driving without due care and attention.

The defendant was banned for 20 months in 2011 for drink driving.

Keith Porter, defending, said: “He says for many years he has struggled with anxiety and depression.

“As well as that, he has a significant problem with alcohol.

“He lives a lonely life and is ashamed of himself.”

Magistrates adjourned the hearing for reports to be carried out.

Wall will be sentenced at a later date.

He has been banned from driving until at least the next court date, which has yet to be confirmed.