A BANNED driver sped off when he realised he had been spotted by police.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Pye raced through a residential area of Accrington in the middle of the day as he tried to avoid arrest.

Pye, 39, of Howard Close, Accrington, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on October 23.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Pye had been convicted of dangerous driving in 2008 and banned until he passed an extended test which he had never done.

At about 11.40 am officers saw a Mini Cooper in Park Street and recognised Pye as the driver. He raced away and drove at excessive speed on Bold Street, Avenue Parade, Plantation Street and others in the residential area. He drove through several junctions without slowing before abandoning the car in Water Street. Police had been following but not chasing the mini and after it was abandoned they found Pye hiding behind a garage.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client accepted driving at excessive speed but not so excessive that the police couldn't follow him.

"He came to a stop of his own volition," said Mr Prew.