A 16-YEAR-OLD boy led police on a high speed pursuit which started in Haslingden and ended in Oswaldtwistle.

Blackburn magistrates heard the police helicopter had to be deployed as the chase reached speeds of over 80mph.

Liam Greenhall, 18, of Warwick Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on Bury Road, Regent Road,Hud Hey Road, Roundhill Road, Haslingden Road, Buckworth Hill Lane, and New Lane and making off without payment for £41 worth of fuel.

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours unpaid work, banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence, District Judge Alex Boyd said he had taken into account that Greenhall had been 16 when he committed the offences in February 2019.

"You admitted responsibility to the police straight away and it is not your fault the case has been delayed," said District Judge Boyd.

"Had you been dealt with as a juvenile you would probably have got a referral order."

Alex Man, prosecuting, said the car involved belonged to the grandma of a female friend who was in the car with Greenhall.

She had taken the car without permission and told Greenhall he could drive it.

He had driven off without paying after filling up with fuel which attracted the attention of the police.

During the chase that followed Greenhall reached 80mph in a 30mph zone and went the wrong way around a roundabout.

"The force helicopter had to take over the pursuit," said Mrs Mann.

Richard Prew, defending, said when his client saw the police he panicked and drove off in the manner.