AN UNINSURED provisional licence holder who wrongly thought the police were after him sped off in his girlfriend’s car and crashed into a newsagents.

Preston Crown Court heard how police were monitoring a different car which was repeatedly turning left to evade them in Green Lane, Blackburn, at 12.40am on July 10.

However there attention was drawn to the red Skoda Fabia being driven by 21-year-old Callum Davies, which cut in front of them and became sandwiched between the police car and the vehicle they were pursuing.

Prosecuting, Patrick Williamson said the Skoda was recorded at speeds of 65mph on Green Lane, which has a speed limit of 20mph, and 70mph on Livesey Branch Road, which has a limit of 30mph.

The court heard that as Davies, of Kingsbridge Court, Blackburn, tried to negotiate a left turn on Livesey Branch Road he crashed into a corner shop.

Mr Williamson said Davies and his two passengers – his girlfriend and his foster brother – ran from the car but the defendant was arrested after a short chase. Mr Williamson said: “He was interviewed at the scene and was candid. He considered his driving to be dangerous.”

Davies, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence and insurance and failing to stop when asked by police.

Defending, David Farley said his client had bought the car, which was insured in his girlfriend’s name, to practise in but had been badgered by his brother to take him out for a spin. Davies panicked when he saw the police and followed his foster brother’s instruction to drive off, Mr Farley said.

He said Davies, who has Aspergers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is expecting his first child with his long-term girlfriend.

Sentencing Davies to a 12-month community order, Recorder Tim Harrington said: “People who come to this court, driving dangerously when they’re not even supposed to be behind the wheel; driving off from the police and being involved in a police chase, should expect to go to prison. I am giving you one chance and this will be your only chance.”

Davies was banned from driving for a year and ordered to do 100 hours' unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days.