A CAR stopped by traffic police on a bypass could only be described as a "tin can", a court was told.

The shell of a red Volkswagen Golf being steered by David Lamb, of Blackburn, had no engine, was without wings, bumpers, a battery, windscreen wipers, inside instruments and had bald tyres plus a damaged gear stick.

But police still had to accelerate to 50mph in order to catch up with the wreck, which was being towed at the time.

The law took rather longer to catch up with the driver, magistrates heard - as he committed the offence six years ago in 1998.

Lamb, a 36-year-old welder, of Rothesay Road, pleaded guilty to careless driving.

A charge against him of dangerous driving was dropped.

Lamb, a father-of-three, was fined £75, with £35 costs, and had three motoring penalty points put on his driving licence by Blackpool magistrates.

Prosecutor Wendy Evans said that on July 25, 1998, between 9pm and 10pm, police were monitoring traffic on the A583 Kirkham bypass.

The prosecutor said: "They saw two vehicles travelling at speed attached by a tow rope.

"The police driver had to accelerate to 50mph to catch up and stop them.

"The lead vehicle, a VW Golf GTI was in good working order, but the Golf GTI being towed was a wreck."

She added: "The vehicle being towed was described by officers as a red shell of a GTI. It had no registration plate and was not taxed.

"It had no wings, bumpers, wipers, inside instruments or battery. Its tyres were bald and the gear stick damaged."

Scott Parker, defending, said: "It is a very old offence and he has not committed any offence since then.

"It was a very foolish thing to do.

"He deeply regrets his behaviour and apologises."