A MOTORIST led police on a prolonged pursuit in the early hours of the morning reaching speeds of over 80 mph as she raced through Accrington.

Blackburn magistrates heard there was snow and ice on the roads and the chase ended when the car driven by Sarah Doughty crashed into a stone wall.

She later told police: “A good chase for a girl.”

Doughty, 27, of Cedar Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and made subject to a community order for 12 months with 150 hours unpaid work and 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

She was ordered to pay £85 costs and £128 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

She must pass an extended re-test before she can drive again.

Passing sentence, Deputy District Judge Michael Hopkinson said Doughty had driven at considerable speed, for a prolonged period and in hazardous conditions.

“At the speeds you were travelling you would have been unable to control the vehicle satisfactorily and other road users would have been put at risk,” said Deputy District Judge Hopkinson.

“The comment you made to the police about a good chase for a girl did not impress me at all.”

Ian Huggan, defending, said it was conceded the speed had been excessive but it had been the early hours of the morning and there was very little traffic around.

He said his client could offer no real explanation for her behaviour on the night.