A JUDGE has hit out at the low level of sentences available for bad drivers after dealing with a "show-off" drink-driver.

Gary Norman Watling, 23, crashed one car, ignored the injuries of his passengers and hit a policeman who tried to stop him driving off in another car, York Crown Court heard. He was twice the legal alcohol limit.

"The maximum sentence is two years imprisonment," said Judge Stephen Ashurst.

"It goes to show, however serious injuries that may be caused by dangerous driving, the punishments available to the court are woefully inadequate."

He jailed mechanic Watling for 21 months, banned him from driving for three years and ordered him to retake his driving test.

Watling, of Sandy Lane, Stockton-on-the-Forest, near York, pleaded guilty to two charges each of dangerous driving, drink-driving and having no insurance.

Watling's trip in the first car was with three passengers, including a 15-year-old girl.

Judge Ashurst told him: "You were driving around at speed. I am satisfied you were showing off and putting your life and the lives of your passengers at risk. They were screaming at you to slow down."

Prosecution barrister Nicholas Barker said Watling crashed into a hedge near the Hopgrove roundabout on the A64.

Glass fragments from a broken window cut one woman passenger's face and arms, and another woman had swelling to the back of her head and right knee.

The court heard Watling was only interested in getting a mobile phone so he could ring his girlfriend, Gemma Sprat.

The judge said: "It seems to me that demonstrates a complete disregard for their (the passengers') welfare and a decision to save your own skin."

He also attacked Watling's "selfishness" in getting his girlfriend out of bed to fetch him.

Mr Barker said police and Watling's girlfriend arrived at about the same time, and Watling and his passengers got into her car.

But when a policeman approached him, Watling shouted at his girlfriend to get in and drive off, then climbed from the back seat into the driver's seat.

The policeman, concerned for his own safety and fearing Watling might get away, tried to stop him by kneeing him in the face.

Watling drove off, knocking the policeman against the car and injuring him. He stopped at a police request shortly afterwards.

David Dixon, for Watling, said the first car had stuck in one gear and he had panicked when police arrived.

Mr Dixon said Watling had fallen in with the wrong crowd and taken to drink and drugs. He had now broken away from those friends and started alcohol counselling.

Prison would cost him his job, Mr Dixon said.