POLICE on duty in Roman Road, Blackburn, saw a moped with two men on it pull out of Lytham Road and speed off.

The officers followed because the pillion passenger was not wearing a helmet. But the pursuit virtually ground to a halt when the moped turned into Blakewater Road and, because of the slope, couldn't gather speed.

Martin Clarke, 18, of Pringle Street, Blackburn, admitted driving without reasonable consideration for other road users, other than in accordance with his provisional licence, and without insurance. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said initially the bike was doing between 45mph and 50mph. After turning into Blakewater Road, the speed dropped to below 20mph.