A 37-year-old man who sped away from police after snatching a woman's bag at Bowood House country park has walked free from court.

David Antill had three children in the back of his car as he overtook in the face of oncoming traffic on the A350 near Melksham.

When the car finally stopped the stolen bag had been thrown out of the window. But Antill's partner, Rachel Steed, 30, was found with a silver heart-shaped Tiffany key ring and a mobile phone which had been in the bag.

The couple, who were both heroin addicts, had been at the country park on May 12 last year when the offences took place.

Antill snatched the handbag, containing £50 cash and the key ring, phone and other items, which the victim had left unattended, before fleeing the scene.

Helen Khan, prosecuting, said a police patrol spotted the silver Vauxhall Vectra on the A350 on Beanacre Road, Melksham just before 5pm. Despite the officer turning on his lights the car sped away.

Antill, of Kingswood, Bristol, pleaded guilty to theft and dangerous driving and Steed, of Bradley Stoke, Bristol, was found guilty of handling by a jury after she denied the offence.

Annette Vigars, defending Antill, said he was trying to get away from the police because he was wanted on a warrant for sentencing at Bristol crown court for other matters.

Robin Shellard, defending Steed, said his client had struggled with drug dependency but was now on a reducing methadone prescription.

Antill was ordered to do 60 hours community service and given a one year probation order. He was also banned from driving for a year.

Steed was given 80 hours community service. Both were told to pay £50 compensation to Mrs Spavin.