A MAN accused of leading police on a high-speed car chase while throwing drugs from his car window is today still on the run - but police have refused to release his picture.

More than three weeks after he skipped bail, suspected drug-dealer Michael Berner is still at large.

The Daily Echo offered to publish a photograph of Mr Berner so that our army of readers could help bring him to justice.

But Hampshire Constabulary refused our offer point-blank.

Mr Berner, 44, of Erskine Road in Winchester, is believed to have led police on a high-speed car chase along the M3 and through Eastleigh on the evening of October 31.

In the chase - during which he is alleged to have reached 70 mph in a 30 mph zone - he is alleged to have thrown packets of drugs from the speeding car's window.

He was arrested then charged with eight offences - including possessing a knife, dangerous driving and possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Earlier this month the Daily Echo revealed that a Crown Prosecution Service blunder meant Berner was granted bail at court - despite the seriousness of the charges.

We told how a lawyer failed to turn up to Berner's Saturday, November 2 court hearing - meaning he was automatically released on bail to return on Monday, November 4.

He failed to do so.

Police stations across the country have been issued with a photograph of Berner and given instructions to arrest him if he is spotted. But readers of this paper are being denied the opportunity to help.

A police spokesman said: "This person's details have been circulated to officers in the area and they will be keeping an eye out for him and in due course bring him back before a court.

"We are not going to release a picture because it cannot be justified - we wouldn't want to prejudice any future court proceedings."

The spokesman pointed out that it is not Hampshire police policy to release a picture of someone wanted for failing to answer bail. He said he would stick to that policy - despite the unusual circumstances in which bail was granted.