A DISQUALIFIED driver sped off when a police car indicated for him to stop the car he was driving.

Blackburn magistrates heard Babar Awan reached speeds of over 60 mph and went through red traffic lights as he drove through a built-up part of Blackburn during the seven-minute pursuit.

Awan, 22, of Colenso Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, disqualified driving, failing to stop when required by a police officer and driving without insurance.

Dominic Howells, prosecuting, said police saw Awan speeding on Preston New Road at 9.30pm and indicated for him to pull over.

“He slowed down but then sped off through a built-up area,” said Mr Howells.

“He failed to give way at various junctions and went through two sets of red lights during what was a prolonged piece of bad driving.”

Simon Farnsworth, defending, said Awan had been banned under the totting-up procedure and was just two days away from the end of the ban when he was persuaded to give someone a lift in a friend’s car.

“When he saw the police car behind him he panicked,” said Mr Farnsworth. “This was not at the top end of dangerous driving and you have heard nothing about other vehicles having to swerve out of the way or him mounting the pavement or anything like that.”