A PASSENGER in a car involved in a "race" suffered a broken back when the vehicle slammed backwards into a tree, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the car driven by Aslam Zaka Uldin was travelling at up to 70 mph when he lost control in Blackburn Road, Knuzden.

Uldin, 22, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

He was ordered to complete 180 hours community punishment, banned for 12 months and ordered to pass an extended re-test before driving again. He was also fined £125 with £75 costs.

John Wishart, prosecuting, said Uldin had been driving towards Blackburn when he was overtaken by another car.

"He decided to overtake back and they were in effect racing," said Mr Wishart.

"The defendant pulled on to the opposite side of the road but immediately saw another car coming in the opposite direction."

He said Uldin carried out a sharp manoeuvre to pull back in but lost control.

His car went through a 180 degree spin before crashing backwards into a tree.

Mr Wishart said three of the tyres on Uldin's vehicle had been over inflated.

After the collision it took emergency services more than an hour to cut the passenger free.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Uldin was full of remorse, especially as the injured passenger was his best friend.