A DISQUALIFIED driver tried to give police the slip by driving at speed on the wrong side of a busy main road at 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Blackburn magistrates heard that at least two cars travelling up Preston New Road had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with the car driven by Zahir Qureshi, who was smoking cannabis at the time.

And after hearing that it was Qureshi's third conviction for disqualified driving within two years the magistrates imposed an immediate custodial sentence and sent him to prison for 60 days.

Qureshi, 23, of Cedar Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, without insurance, without due care and possession of cannabis. As well as the prison sentence he was disqualified from driving for two year.

Neil White, prosecuting, saidQureshi abandoned the car on a pay and display car park but was arrested after a chase.

Mr White added that Qureshi was currently banned driving while disqualified.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said Qureshi had foolishly agreed to drive the vehicle which belonged to a friend.

"He was hoping to put his offending behind him given that his wife has now got a visa to allow her to join him in this country from Pakistan," said Mr Ditta.