A BANNED driver fled from police at high speed in a residential area because he believed he had ecstasy tablets in his car.

But tests revealed that the tablets that 25-year-old Michael Miller was carrying were actually not the class A drug but harmless fakes.

At Preston Crown Court Miller, of Higher Croft, Blackburn, was jailed for 18 months after admitting driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

The court heard that he committed the offence in October less than two weeks after being given a suspended sentence for supplying amphetamine.

He drove at up to 50mph in a 30mph zone in the Higher Croft area of Blackburn, as well as going through blind junctions and sharp bends without slowing down as he was followed by police.

He also drove straight across several mini roundabouts before abandoning his Volkswagen Polo and running off. He was soon caught by police officers.

Miller's barrister Wayne Jackson said Miller thought he was carrying the class A drugs and that is why he drove off from officers.

A bag containing 13 tablets was found in his car which Miller admitted to police was ecstasy but after being analysed they tested negative.

The court heard that Miller was stopped in the Infirmary area of Blackburn on October 24 when routine checks revealed that he had no insurance.

James McEntee prosecuting, said when officers attempted to speak to him he sped off.

He said: "The defendant went across a mini-roundabout, drove along the wrong side of the road and used excessive speed."

He was followed from Infirmary Road via Pritchard Street and then on towards Manxman Road.

He then drove on to Morecambe Road and Lytham Road before ditching the car and running off.

Judge Pamela Badley said: "You are lucky that no-one was hurt because you were driving very dangerously in a built up area.

"Only weeks before you were given a suspended sentence and warned about your behaviour.

"There is no other option for me other than to send you to prison."