A DRIVER led police on a high-speed chase through Darwen in a stolen milk pick-up.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Scott Robinson overtook on the wrong side of the road, forcing oncoming vehicles to take avoiding action, before racing "over the top" towards Bolton at more than 70mph.

When he was cornered, Robinson reversed repeatedly into a police car before driving over a front garden in an attempt to escape.

Robinson, 28, of Breightmet, Bolton, admitted unauthorised taking of the vehicle, aggravated by damage to a police car, dangerous driving, driving while banned and without insurance. He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said the incident started at 7.30am on Wednesday as a milkman was delivering in Tockholes Lane.

As he walked back to his vehicle he saw a man get in and drive off. Fifteen minutes later a police officer parked at the junction of Cross Street and Bolton Road saw the red Peugeot travelling towards Bolton and gave chase.

"He then witnessed the car travelling at excessive speed and performing dangerous overtaking manoeuvres," said Miss Bramley.

"The officer describes it passing the wrong side of bollards as it overtook vehicles travelling up the A666, forcing oncoming vehicle to take avoiding action."

She said that after reaching speeds of over 70mph as it travelled over Bull Hill, the car continued over the county border and turned on to an estate in Bromley Cross.

The officer, having entered Greater Manchester, had discontinued the pursuit but followed on to the estate. As he drove up Hospital Road he saw the car on the drive of a house and pulled up behind to block any escape.

"The defendant then rammed the police car repeatedly before driving over lawns to make his escape," said Miss Bramley.

Michael Singleton, defending, said the dangerous driving element of the incident related to the incidents between Darwen and Egerton and urged the magistrates to accept that their powers of punishment were sufficient.