A TAKEAWAY worker tried to flee from a police patrol car - even after all four tyres on his vehicle had been deflated by a 'stinger' device.

Drink-driver Zafar Khan came to the attention of police on the M65 in the early hours because of the erratic nature of his driving, Preston Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Lucy Wright said Khan's Honda car reached speeds of 90mph but would then slow down to around 50mph, according to officers.

Khan's vehicle, which also contained one of his cousins, was followed as far as junction six, where police had already deployed a 'stinger' device, in a bid to slow down the Honda.

Miss Wright said all four tyres were deflated on the car but Khan continued to drive along the slip road to the Whitebirk roundabout, at speeds approaching 60mph, in a 30mph zone.

When officers reached the car, the court heard, the doors were locked and they could see Khan climbing out of the driver's seat, to make it appear he was not driving.

Police had to smash one of the windows to gain entry to the vehicle. Khan refused several times to perform a roadside breath test.

But Miss Wright told the court he agreed to provide a sample at the police station later. This showed he had 51mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Jonathan Turner, defending, said that the risk to other road users, caused by his client's driving, was minimised as it was 3.45am.

"The defendant, although 21, is an immature individual and accepts full responsibility for his actions," he added.

Ever since the commission of the offences, Khan had stopped socialising with his cousin and now, and remained at home outside his working hours, said Mr Turner.

Khan, of Hastings Close, Blackburn, who had no previous criminal convictions, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol and having no driving licence.

He was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes a three-month curfew and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Khan was also disqualified from driving for two years and must take an extended retest before being allowed a licence.

READ > Couple distraught after falling victim to £5,500 eBay motorhome scam

Passing sentence, Judge Philip Parry said the defendant had placed both himself, his passenger and the pursuing police officers at risk due to the manner of his driving, while under the influence.