A MAN who led police on high speed chases twice through Burnley has been jailed for 28 days.

Burnley Crown Court heard how George Barnes, 20, clocked speeds of up to 80mph driving along Accrington Road at 11pm.

The first time he was racing his cousin, who was in a stolen car. The day after, he again went speeding through a built-up area and overtook two vehicles on blind bends. He was not insured.

Barnes, a father-to-be, who is in work, was sent to a young offenders' institution, after admitting two counts of dangerous driving and no insurance, on June 23 and 24.

The defendant, of Water Street, Huncoat, was banned for three years and must take an extended retest.

Michael Wallbank, prosecuting, said while a police officer, with his blue lights and sirens on had begun to pursue the cars, he was unable to gain ground. Both failed to stop.The speed limit was 40mph.

The next day, a police sergeant in a fully liveried police car, spotted Barnes, again in Accrington Road.

He was still going above 70mph as he headed towards Hapton village, almost lost control, had to swerve to avoid a crash and was driving at between 70mph and 84mph as he entered the 30mph zone.

The hearing was told the defendant had 21 offences on his record.