A 20-YEAR-OLD man lead police on a prolonged high speed chase after they spotted him driving at night with no lights on.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jake Biriny reached speeds of up to 70mph as he raced around the streets of Burnley trying to lose his pursuers.

And he was subsequently found to be over the drink-drive limit and banned from driving.

Biriny, of Raglan Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, with excess alcohol and without insurance.

He was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Biriny was already subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed by the crown court in March for dangerous driving.

"On this occasion he was seen driving at about 11pm with no lights on and at speed," said Miss Allan.

She said Biriny ignored police lights and sirens and sped off along Rose Hill Avenue before pulling into Manchester Road without slowing.

He was doing more than 70mph travelling down Manchester Road.

He went through several junctions without stopping and had several near misses involving other cars.

"He drove down several side streets, trying to evade the police, before being blocked in Montague Road," said Miss Allan.

"This was a prolonged period of dangerous driving showing no regard for the safety of others."

Daniel Fraser, defending, said Biriny had found his father dead after he had fallen out of a second floor window.

"That incident had a profound affect on his mental health and he has struggled," said Mr Fraser.

"On this occasion he was having a bad night and wanted to visit his father's grave. He foolishly got into his car to do that."