A MOTORIST made desperate attempts to evade a pursuing police officer.

Blackburn magistrates heard one vehicle was forced to mount the pavement to avoid a collision with the car driven by Imran Hussain.

On another road a taxi was coming the other way and Hussain hit a tree as he squeezed past the cab.

The chase ended when Hussain crashed into a parked car.

Hussain, 40, of Edge End Avenue, Brierfield, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He was committed in custody to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on July 3.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said police attention was drawn to the car driven by Hussain at 12.10 am because a headlight was out. The officer turned round and followed Hussain looking for a safe place to stop him and could smell cannabis coming from his vehicle.

When the officer activated his lights and sirens Hussain failed to stop and a pursuit commenced.

Mr Parker said Hussain nearly caused a collision when he crossed North Valley Road without stopping, forcing another car to mount the pavement. The incident with the taxi was on Ruskin Avenue and Hussain eventually crashed on Talbot Street.

A roadside alcohol breath test was negative but a drug swipe was positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Hussain refused to provide a blood sample, claiming he had a fear of needles.

"He admitted taking cocaine that night and smoking cannabis every day since he was 15 years old," said Mr Parker.

"He said he didn't want to give a blood sample because he didn't like needles."