A man led police on a chase through the streets of Accrington which led to him ploughing into the side of another car, injuring a 75-year-old grandfather.

Mark Walsh, 45, was pursued by police through the town in his Mercedes-Benz A180 having turned away from them quickly on Charter Street on February 24, 2023.

Police dashcam footage played in Burnley Crown Court showed Walsh leading police down narrow streets at speeds reaching up to 58mph in 30mph residential zones.

The chase was brought to an end when Walsh failed to stop at a give-way junction and ploughed into the side of Volkswagen Sharan, driven by a man named only as Mr Noke in court.

The vehicle ended up on its side and Mr Noke suffered neck injuries which required physiotherapy.

A victim impact statement read to the court by prosecutor Cecilia Pritchard said Mr Noke had just dropped off his two young grandchildren and was travelling home.

He said: “Having the fire brigade cut me out and seeing the devastation caused by someone trying to get away from the police, I will never forget.

“What if my grandchildren were in the car? What if my wife was set next to me?”

Ms Pritchard also told the court Walsh had only ever held a provision licence.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

Walsh also appeared in court on an earlier matter of unlawful wounding, which took place on March 27, 2022.

CCTV footage played in the court showed a group of people in a pub in Accrington with a verbal argument going on.

The victim, a Mr Hacking, pushes Walsh, which leads to them grappling and with Mr Hacking ending up on the floor.

Walsh punched Mr Hacking numerous times to the head while he was on the floor.

Ms Pritchard said this led to Mr Hacking losing consciousness, but this was not able to be ascertained.

Mr Hacking needed 30 stitches to his face and needed dental treatment after losing a tooth.

He also suffered through and through cuts to his top and bottom lip.

The dangerous driving offence took place while Walsh was under investigation for the assault.

Mark Stewart, defending, said in relation to the driving matters that Walsh “panicked” when he saw the police and that he pleaded at the first opportunity.

In relation to the assault, Mr Stewart said Walsh “undoubtedly overreacted badly.”

Judge Sara Dodd, in relation to the driving matter, said Walsh “deliberately disregarded the rules of the road and injury was caused to his victim.”

On the assault, she added: “I accept it was started by Mr Hacking but nothing can justify your response.

“This was a persistent assault and I am satisfied you continued your assault when Mr Hacking was unresponsive on the ground.”

Judge Dodd sentenced Walsh, of Westwood Street, Accrington, to 18 months in prison. He was disqualified from driving for three years and nine months and must take an extended retest.