A DRIVER who led police on a high- speed pursuit in Burnley town centre has been spared jail - but has lost his car.

The town's crown court heard how Ryan Taylor, 20, had gone through red lights and clocked up between 60mph and 80mph in the £70 car he had bought that day.

He had never passed a driving test, was not insured, and had passengers on board, Taylor was given a chance by the judge, who warned him it would be his one and only.

Taylor, of Russell Terrace, Padiham, admitted dangerous driving, having no licence, and no insurance.

He was given a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision, the Think First programme, and 150 hours unpaid work.

He was also banned for two years and must take an extended driving test.

Sentencing, Recorder Stephen Killeen slammed Taylor's behaviour as "absolutely appalling".

He told the defendant cars were lethal weapons and he could easily have killed somebody - and if he had he would have been going to prison for six or seven years.