A DISQUALIFIED driver, who refused to stop for police, shot a red light and forced police cars to take evasive action before fleeing on foot.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Timothy Andrew Eastham was eventually arrested after being found hiding in a garden.

A records check revealed that he was a disqualified driver. He was also found to be double the drink drive limit.

Eastham, 39, of Lower Hazel Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, with excess alcohol and without insurance.

He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for two years, with a condition that he attends the drink impaired driver course. He was also banned for three years with a condition that he passes an extended re-test before driving again.

David Macro, prosecuting, said the incident started in Penny Street when an officer in a police van had to brake to avoid colliding with a Nissan Primera driven by Eastham. The officer gave chase onto Barbara Castle Way.

"The defendant drove round the police van and onto Higher Eanam where a marked police car took up the pursuit," said Mr Macro.

The chase continued until Bridge Mill Street when Eastham ran off.

He told police he was always depressed at that time of year because he had to go and put flowers on his mother's grave.

Daniel King, defending, confirmed the explanation put forward by his client. "There is no suggestion that it excuses his misguided, stupid and dangerous efforts to escape from the police," he said.