OFFICERS in a liveried police car had to take evasive action when a van came round a bend partly on the wrong side of the road.

Blackburn magistrates heard the van, driven by Marlon Samuel Murray, crossed fully onto the wrong side and hit the kerb before making off at speed.

Murray, 30, of Billington Gardens, Billington, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and failing to stop when required by a police officer.

He was fined £645 with £300 costs and £52 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 20 months. Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said the police car was heading towards Whalley from Billington when a Citroen Berlingo came round a bend, crossing the white line.

The officer behind the wheel had to brake to avoid a collision. They turned and followed, illuminating their lights but the vehicle did not stop until it had turned into Billington Gardens.

Before that it was being driven at 50mph in a 30mph zone. There was a problem with the road side breathalyser but when he was taken to the station Murray failed to provide a specimen.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client accepted he had had a drink but did not agree with the statement from the officer which said he was struggling to stand or speak.

“He hadn’t had a great deal to drink and it is unfortunate the roadside test wasn’t working,” said Mr Taylor.