A BANNED driver being pursued by police leapt from his car before it plunged into a canal.

Burnley magistrates heard how Shafqat Hussain, 21, who was subject to a suspended sentence for banned driving, had got behind the wheel again since the police pursuit.

His lawyer told the court the defendant was 'addicted to driving'.

The prosecutor said Hussain was 'not fit to be on the road'.

Hussain, of Victoria Street, Nelson, was jailed for a total of 230 days.

He was banned for 12 months and must take an extended retest.

He admitted dangerous driving, banned driving and no insurance last November and was found guilty of driving whilst disqualified and no insurance in February after a trial.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, said at 1am last November 11, police decided to stop the defendant in Nelson as his car was not insured.

Hussain slowed down and as officers stopped, he sped off along Manchester Road and turned his lights off.

He then went through several streets with the police, their blue lights illuminated and sirens sounding, tried to stop him.

Mrs Campbell said the defendant failed to give way at junctions, bounced the vehicle until sparks flew off it and almost lost control at the bottom of Every Street.

He then approached the canal bridge, which was blocked for vehicle use by metal, lockable posts.

He slowed down dramatically, opened the drover's door and as the vehicle approached the bridge, got out of the vehicle as the car was still moving.

The car then bumped into the two secure gates, carried on and ended up on its roof submerged in the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Mrs Campbell said Hussain made off over the footbridge and was lost sight of momentarily.

He was located 10 minutes later in the backyard of a nearby house.

Mrs Campbell said: "The defendant's driving was erratic and dangerous and he switched his lights off.

"The roads were wet and strong winds were blowing.

"He has shown a complete disregard for the safety of himself, the police officers, the residents in the terrace residential area and a complete disregard for the law."

Mrs Campbell said on February 2, the defendant was arrested for driving and made obscene and abusive remarks to the police.

She said: "Quite frankly the defendant has an appalling record. This man is not fit to be on the road."

John Rusius, defending, said Hussain panicked and drove off and added: "He got in with the wrong crowd and was easily influenced.

"He is addicted to driving. He is seeking to change his ways."