A driver was arrested after leading police on a 20-mile chase in which he twice dodged a ‘stinger’.

Police were alerted after reports of a Land Rover Defender being stolen from outside the Eagle and Child pub in Hurst Green, where the owner worked, on March 4.

The Defender, driven by Adam Craig Bullen, 25, was eventually tracked to the M65, just before 9pm. But Bullen refused to pull over when directed by pursuing police cars, and swerved around two ‘stinger’ devices, laid near junction three, by pulling onto the hard shoulder.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, said the 4x4 turned round and headed towards Burnley. It was driven towards police vehicles as they tried to overtake, then forced its way off the motorway at junction eight as police tried to keep it on the road.

Mr Harrison said police had to take evasive action, adding: “He was taking serious risks of causing damage or injury.”

The court heard he was tracked along the A56 near Padiham, reaching Burnley Road, and across Gannow Top to Accrington Road.

Bullen, of Middlesex Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to unauthorised vehicle taking aggravated by dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on April 24.

Mark Williams, defending, said Bullen was not responsible for taking the vehicle and was paid £100 to drive it.