A 20-year-old man given a "weekend off" from a bail curfew was seen driving a car at 3am despite being disqualified, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Liam Cumberland sped off when police tried to stop him and at one stage overtook a taxi on a mini roundabout while travelling at about 60 mph.

Cumberland, of Lytham Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Neil White, prosecuting, said police spoke to Cumberland at 8pm when he indicated he was the owner of a blue VW parked outside his house. At 3am the following morning they saw the same car being driven down Darwen Street and up Brandy House Brow.

"When the police took up a following position the defendant dramatically increased his speed," said Mr White. "As he reached the junction with Fishmoor Drive he was doing 60mph and overtook a taxi by negotiating a mini-roundabout on the wrong side of the road."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Cumberland was on bail to the Crown Court but a curfew condition had been lifted for two nights so he could attend a family party in Blackpool. That arrangement fell through.

He said: "When he saw the police he panicked, thinking they would not believe that he was not in breach of bail conditions."