A man who led police on an 11-minute chase through the streets of East Lancashire because he was ‘scared’, has avoided jail.

Mustafa Mehmood reached speeds of up to 80mph as he was pursued through residential streets in Burnley, Weir and Todmorden at just after midnight on March 9.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mehmood had been spotted by police driving a silver Vauxhall Astra at speed in Eastern Avenue, Burnley.

Beth Pilling, prosecuting, said: “Officers followed the vehicle in an 11-minute pursuit.

“While the weather conditions were dry and there were very few pedestrians, if none at all, there were several cars on the road at that time and one near collision occurred.

“Dashcam footage from the police shows the defendant reaches speeds of 60mph in a 30mph zone and then 80mph as he travels through Weir.

“He drives through several red lights and on one occasion a vehicle was travelling across his path but managed to brake.

“The police helicopter was launched and assisted in detaining the defendant.”

The court was told how a stinger was also operated and was set up by officers in Todmorden.

After the defendant hit the stinger, the front left tyre of the Astra came flying off, but Mehmood continued to try and drive away on three wheels, crossing the carriageway into the wrong lane, before crashing into an embankment.

Miss Pilling added: “The defendant left the vehicle and ran but was caught and arrested. A passenger was also detained.”

Mehmood, 20, tested positive for cannabis during a roadside swab, and police discovered that he wasn’t insured and only had a provisional licence, having never passed his driving test.

Miss Pilling continued: “He admitted being the driver and said he was scared when the police started following him and failed to stop.

“He told them he had smoked a joint at 6pm and one in the morning.”

Mehmood was unrepresented by a barrister in court due to ongoing industrial action by the Criminal Bar Association, although his solicitor was present to give guidance, and said his client was naïve and was a man of good character whose mum had come to support him.

Mehmood, of Oban Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to stop for an officer, driving without a licence, and driving with no insurance.

In sentencing, Recorder Peter Horgan said: “I have watched the dashcam footage and it’s a matter of good fortune that you did not injure yourself or your passenger or anyone else.

“While the custody threshold might have been crossed, I don’t necessarily need to pass a sentence with custody, and custody should not be imposed where a community order could provide restrictions on your liberty.

“You have never been in trouble before and your mum sits here in court today, and I hope you are thoroughly ashamed that your mum is here.

“You have not reoffended in the last six months, and I take the view that both yourself and the public would be better protected with a community order.

“I would advise you do not come before this court again and test the court’s patience.”

Mehmood was given a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity days. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and must sit and extended test should he wish to drive in the future.