A DRINK driver who led police on a high-speed chase almost hit the officers before smashing into a taxi, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told how plasterer Blake Bickerton, 25, was more than twice the limit when breath tested after the early hours pursuit last September.

The cabbie, Wasim Hussain, had no chance of avoiding the crash as the defendant drove the wrong way down one way Willow Street in Accrington.

Bickerton appeared for sentence after admitting dangerous driving and a drink drive-related offence. Recorder John Finestein said the defendant's conduct had been "quite outrageous" but he had decided to give him another chance.

Bickerton, of Barnes Street, Accrington, was given a six month jail term, suspended for two years, with 240 hours unpaid work.

He was banned for three years and must pay £220 costs.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, told the court police travelling along Blackburn Road at about 1.45am spotted a car driven by the defendant come out of a side street in an erratic manner.

The officers had to brake sharply to avoid a collision.

The officers pulled the defendant over and spoke to him. Bickerton looked at the officers, nodded his head and then accelerated away.

Miss Worsley said the offficers put on their blue lights and set off in pursuit.

Bickerton turned into Willow Street where there was no entry at that point and then struck a taxi.

Bickerton was arrested at the scene and gave a breath test which showed 76 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.