A UNIVERSITY student who got behind the wheel while over the limit was bailed - and then jailed for doing a similar thing.

Burnley Magistrates Court heard how Abdul Nasir Ul-Haq, 20, had smashed into a car trying to get away from the police and twice refused to give a breath test.

The defendant, who has a previous conviction for excess alcohol from 2002, was sent to prison for 56 days.

Sentencing, Deputy District Judge Michael Singleton told Ul-Haq only custody was justified.

He added the defendant had taken a drink drivers' rehabilitation course, but it did not appear to have affected his attitude.

Ul-Haq, of Lancaster Gate, Nelson, admitted driving with excess alcohol, driving without due care and attention and failing to provide a specimen. He was also banned from driving for four years.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court on March 22 a police officer was on duty in the early hours when he saw a car turn on to Halifax Road, Brierfield, and then skid.

The officer followed the vehicle, stopped the car and spoke to the defendant who said he had not been drinking.

However, a breath test proved positive and Ul-Haq then gave a test at a police station.

The lowest revealed 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Ul-Haq told police he had had two shots of vodka earlier and two bottles of lager.

Mr Maude said the defendant was bailed and then on August 22 police spotted him driving on the wrong side of a roundabout at speed.

Officers put on their emergency lights and saw Ul-Haq go through red traffic lights. He then hit a parked car.

Ul-Haq was asked to give a breath test but refused. He then refused again at the police station.

David Leach, defending, said that on the night of the first offence Ul-Haq had been drinking soft drinks, which unbeknown to him had been laced with some alcohol.

He had planned to stay at a friend's but they had rowed and he decided to leave.

On the second occasion Ul-Haq simply panicked when he saw the police.

Mr Leach added that the chase was of short duration but the defendant realised it was not the right thing to do. He had been immature.