A MAN led police on a high-speed chase across Glasgow and then jumped into the freezing River Clyde, getting hypothermia.

Cops spotted Simon Westbury at 9am on December 11, 2019, on West Street in the Southside, driving a van. They moved behind it. 

The driver accelerated aggressively, with other cars near him.

Westbury then moved onto the Kingston Bridge and accelerated in excess of 70 miles per hour.

The 49-year-old continued at high speed and exited to the Clydeside Expressway.

Police activated sirens and kept following the van.

Westbury mounted and drove across a footpath and grass areas before joining Finnieston Street. Police officers kept pursuing him.

He drove to Lancefield Quay, where Westbury exited the vehicle and started running.

He was followed by officers as he ran down the stairs to the jetty.

Westbury then jumped into the River Clyde.

But he was having difficulties due to the cold weather conditions and he required assistance.

He managed to return back to the Quayside.

Once there, he was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and treated for hypothermia.

He was released, cautioned and charged and his van was later moved.

Westbury, of no fixed address, was also stopped at Broomielaw on June 19, 2021, when officers noted a smell of cannabis on him.

He was nervous and agitated and £140 worth of cannabis was found on him, in bags.

After a search, cash and two mobile phones were found as well.

At Cathcart police station, one mobile phone started to ring, with messages referring to "one single bag” and asking if he “does green”.

One text read: “Same address, same order.”

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Westbury appeared from custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week after he pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and at excessive speed, without insurance and a licence.

He also admitted to being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

His lawyer told the court: "All I can say is that I can recall how shocked he was at the situation he ended up in.

"He was very thankful to the police. They saved his life, he put it. He appreciated that.

"He is 49 years old and undertaking English and sewing classes in prison."

Sheriff Patricia Pryce remarked: "This is very dangerous driving and you have a horrendous record with drugs."

Westbury was jailed for six months for the traffic offences and four months for the drug offence.