A DRUNK father hid under a bush after crashing his car because he did not want police to find him.

Ian Pokorski had drunk 12 cans of cider before getting into his car and driving.

When he saw police he turned off his headlights, veered into a driveway, crashed into a tree and fled the scene.

After a brief search of the area, officers called for a tracking dog which eventually found the man crouched under a bush. The 34-year-old was arrested, breathalysed and taken to the police station where he refused to provide a breath sample for tests.

Marie Watton, prosecuting, said: “In interview he admitted being the driver and had been under the influence of alcohol. He had been drinking a large quantity of alcohol and told officers he was quite drunk.”

Pokorski, of Alder Grove, Evesham, admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Paul Stanley, defending, told the court Pokorski was under huge pressure at home as a full-time carer for his wife who suffers from a muscle- wasting disease.

He also cares for his children aged 14, 12 and four.

“He builds things up and seeks solitude in alcohol,” Mr Stanley said.

“Since the incident he has not drunk at all and has stayed away from alcohol.

“He is a loving family man who has perhaps fallen by the wayside over not being able to cope with his wife’s illness.”

Pokorski, who has two previous convictions for drink-driving, was told by magistrates he would have been sent straight to prison were it not for the needs of his wife.

He was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 12 months and a 12-month supervision order with a drink-impaired drivers programme. He was also disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay £60 costs.