A driver led police on a chase when they tried to stop him in the early hours of the morning.

Blackburn magistrates heard Asif Rehman reached speeds of more than 60mph as he drove through the centre of Blackburn before he eventually skidded on ice and crashed into railings.

Rehman, 23, of Snowden Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence and possession of cannabis. He was committed on bail to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on September 15 after the magistrates ruled their powers of punishment were insufficient.

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said the car driven by Rehman was first spotted at 1am on the wrong side of the Lower Audey Street overtaking a line of traffic.

The officers illuminated their lights and sirens but Rehman failed to stop and sped off, reaching speeds well in excess of 60mph. He went the wrong way down Park Road, which is a one way street, and then travelled up Mincing Lane, failing to give way at a junction and then shooting a red light without slowing.

He turned into King Street, another one way street, before entering Montague Street on the wrong side of the road.

“He travelled for about 200 yards on the wrong side of the road before skidding on ice and colliding with railings,” said Miss Regala. She said the cannabis was found in his car.

Danyal Ahmed, defending, said his client was a man of previous good character.