A DISQUALIFIED driver tried to escape from police who saw him behind the wheel.

Blackburn magistrates heard Liam Robert Tomlinson ignored a signal to stop and reversed away from an officer down a narrow street with cars parked either side.

Later in the pursuit that followed, he collided with a police car before speeding away.

When he was eventually caught walking away from his vehicle Tomlinson said: “Alright, you’ve got me.”

Tomlinson, 34, who is currently serving a prison sentence, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while disqualified and without insurance on March 24.

He also pleaded guilty to drug driving on November 13 and criminal damage to the front door of Manning's Bakery in March 2020.

He was committed to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced for the dangerous driving and related offences, ordered to pay £250 compensation to the bakery on release from prison and fined £120 for drug driving which was set against time spent in custody. He was banned from driving for 15 months.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, said police spotted Tomlinson driving a Toyota Aygo on Miller Barn Lane, Waterfoot, at about 4pm. He reversed away from a police car and, at the end of the road, reversed onto the main road.

“If there had been another vehicle coming there would have been a collision,” said Mrs Ward. Tomlinson was followed onto a car park by the officer who tried to block him in.

“He drove forwards and collided with the police car before reversing into a parked car,” said Mrs Ward.

"He made off through a no entry sign and as he increased his speed to over 50mph on Burnley Road East the officer made the decision not to go any faster."

A member of the public then directed him up New Biggin Avenue where he saw the car parked and Tomlinson was walking away.

Laura Heywood, defending, said prior to the criminal damage Tomlinson had a row with his girlfriend and been drinking heavily.

“He lashed out at the door of the bakery for no other reason that frustration,” said Miss Heywood.