A CAR stolen during a burglary in Whalley was spotted being driven on false number plates in Rochdale two months later.

Blackburn magistrates heard when the driver realised police were on to him he sped off, reaching speeds of 100mph.

But the driver came down to earth with a bump after abandoning the car and running away.

The court heard police giving chase spotted a 'burly' man standing on a tree branch eight feet up.

As they approached the branch snapped and Mark Stanley fell to the ground. He still managed to run off again but was detained with the help of a police dog.

Stanley, 34, of Gorse Road, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to handling a stolen VW Golf worth £25,000 and dangerous driving.

He was committed on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on July 23.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said the occupiers of the house in Whalley where in bed when the burglary took place.

They discovered the break in and then realised the car keys and the car had been taken.

Stanley was driving the car in Rochdale when he attracted the attention of a police patrol.

He immediately sped off reaching speeds of 100mph.

The police helicopter was brought in after the car was lost and after it was located there was another high speed chase.

"The car was eventually abandoned and the driver ran off into gardens," said Mrs Yates.

"Officers on foot were directed by the helicopter and they reported seeing a burly man standing on a branch of a tree about eight feet from the ground.

"The branch broke and he fell to the ground."

Richard Birtwistle, defending, said the chase was only about one mile in total and took place shortly before midnight when the roads were relatively quiet.

He said the car had been part of a part-exchange deal with a man in Rochdale.

"He should have known better and should have made checks," said Mr Birtwistle.