POLICE used a stinger to stop a car which sped off when officers who had smelled cannabis coming from the vehicle tried to stop it.

Blackburn magistrates heard the car driven by Ian Gilhealey reached 70mph in a 50 zone during the chase.

Gilhealey failed a roadside drug swipe but then refused to give a blood sample at the police station.

Gilhealey, 20, of Hope Street, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample for analysis and using a car without insurance.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, ordered to do 20 days rehabilitation activity and pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for three years.

Bas Khan, defending, said while he was out with friends Gilhealey received a phone call from Royal Blackburn Hospital to say his mum had been admitted with a heart problem.

"Without thinking he decided to go and see his mum and got in the car he had only bought that week," said Mr Khan. "He realises he should have got a taxi."