PEDESTRIANS had to run to safety as a woman sped down the middle of a busy road at 9am with police in pursuit.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Diane Devine had been stopped and then drove off as a police officer was dealing with her.

Devine, 40, of Clough Bottom Farm, Broadoak Lane, Accrington, denies dangerous driving last September.

Andrew Brown, prosecuting, said an officer on duty in a police Land Rover saw Devine's Ford Escort, noticed it was lacking a tax disc and he was concerned the driver was not wearing a safety belt.

He started to follow the car and tried to stop it on several occasions by flashing his lights.

Devine turned on to Manchester Road, Accrington, and then as she drove on to Hollins Lane the officer put on his emergency equipment and Devine finally stopped.

A passenger got out and the officer approached Devine's car. The defendant wound her window down and switched off her engine and was "somewhat abusive" to the officer.

It ended up with the policeman taking out his fixed penalty book, at which point Devine, not interested in what he was doing, started up her engine again and drove away. The officer returned to his Land Rover and started to follow her.

Devine went down Manchester Road in the centre of the carriageway, between the two lines of traffic, at an estimated 60mph.

The officer followed using his emergency equipment to try to get Devine to stop.

The defendant then turned into a lane where pedestrians had to "move rapidly" to the pavement to avoid her.

Mr Brown said Devine then drove at about 45mph through industrial premises with a speed limit of 15mph in an "erratic manner."

She finally stopped at Clough Bottom Farm, where she was arrested.

(Proceeding)

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