A DISQUALIFIED driver caught behind the wheel refused to provide an evidential breathalyser test.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mohammed Naveed tried to run off after police stopped him but he was detained after a short chase.

Naveed, 38, of Tavistock Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was jailed for 18 weeks and banned from driving for five years.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Naveed had been banned for three years in November 2019 for his second drink drive related offence. The latest incident was on November 30 2020 when he was seen travelling at speed on Barker House Road Nelson at 2.50 am. An officer followed him after he failed to slow down at a mini-roundabout.

"The vehicle stopped on Pine Street and the defendant tried to make off but he was detained after a short foot chase," said Mr Robinson.

Naveed initially refused to provide a roadside test but when asked again agreed and this gave a reading of 62.

At the police station he became un cooperative and refused to provide samples of breath.

Mr Robinson said Naveed was convicted of driving with excess alcohol in March 2019 and driving while disqualified and failing to provide in October of the same year.

The chairman of the magistrates said in passing sentence they had taken into consideration the defendant's multiple like previous offences, the manner of his driving, the fact he was carrying passengers and that he tried to run away.