A DRUG driver who went off-road to try to evade police got stuck between a tree and a fence.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ronald Brian Grimes managed to get his Ford Focus free but then slipped down an embankment where police removed him from the car.

Grimes, 41, of Poulson Drive, Bootle, pleaded guilty to driving while the level of cocaine in his system was over the limit. He was fined £120 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for three years after the magistrates were told he had a conviction for failing to provide a specimen in 2016.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police followed Grimes off the M65 at junction 4 at 8.08 am on Sunday April 22. They illuminated their emergency lights but instead of stopping Grimes went off-road.

Tony Murphy, defending, said Grimes had been drinking the night before and accepted he had also taken some cocaine.

He said Grimes was under the limit for alcohol, as he thought he would be, but hadn't realised how long the cocaine would remain in his system.