A drink driver led police on a high-speed chase after initially slowing when ordered to stop.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard James McCann reached speeds of more than 65mph in built-up residential areas and crossed the carriageway to overtake other vehicles.

He was eventually stopped when two police cars boxed him in, and both police vehicles were damaged in the manoeuvre, the court was told.

McCann, 45, of Bedford Terrace, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.

He was committed in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on July 18, due to sentencing powers in the magistrates being insufficient.

The court heard the offences put McCann in breach of a 14 month suspended prison sentence.

Lee Woodyatt, prosecuting, said police were tipped off about a possible drink driver leaving the Bees Knees in Rawtenstall.

They didn’t find the vehicle initially but then received further information.

Officers followed in an unmarked vehicle and described the standard of McCann’s driving as “very poor.”

“When directed he slowed down but then accelerated away aggressively,” said Mr Woodyatt.

“Eventually two police cars made tactical contact with the defendant’s car and he was stopped.”

Aftab Bakhat, mitigating, said his client accepted the matters would be committed to the crown court for sentence.

“I asked him why he committed the offences and he said there was no real excuse,” said Mr Bakhat.

“He has long standing mental health issues and the alcohol has not reacted well with the medication he is prescribed.”