A BANNED driver who could have caused an "almighty pile up," on a busy motorway in the pouring ran, has been jailed for four months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Kesser Hussain, 21, undertook several cars at more than 70mph on the hard shoulder - and one of the vehicles was driven by a police sergeant who chased and eventually stopped him.

The defendant at first refused to stop and then gave the officer false details but was caught after he produced his wallet at Accrington police station.

Hussain, of Roberts Street, Nelson, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, no insurance and police obstruction. He was banned for two years.

Sentencing, Judge Anthony Proctor said he had done one of the most dangerous moves in driving.

He said the defendant, who had been ordered off the road for 12 months only six months before, could have caused an almighty pile -up.

Roger Green, prosecuting, said the detective sergeant was driving along the M65 westbound from Burnley towards Blackburn last September.

It was raining heavily, cars were generating a lot of spray, visibility was reduced and vehicles had their lights on. Both lanes were full of traffic.

The defendant came up behind the officer, was unable to get past and undertook on the hard shoulder. He underook four or five cars in excess of 70mph and then pulled back in again, causing several vehicles to brake to avoid a collision.

Mr Green said Hussain then turned onto a sliproad at Huncoat junction and the officer pulled aongside. He showed the defendant his warrant card and indicated he wanted him to stop but Hussain carried on onto the A 56.

The sergeant followed and as Hussain went towards Haslingden, the officer stopped him.

Martin Hackett, defending, said Hussain had had his first job for a long time, as a security guard in Manchester, and had been late for work. After his lift had let him down, he decided to drive.